Authorities say were misled in demolished temple controversy
An official in the northern province of Bac Ninh says a local People’s Committee knowingly deceived higher authorities when obtaining permission for the controversial leveling of a 13th century temple.
The 700-year-old Rong (Dragon) Temple was demolished in January under the approval of Dinh Bang Ward authorities, which said the temple was dilapidated and needed to be completely rebuilt for the celebration of Thang Long-Hanoi’s 1000th anniversary next year.
But an official of Dinh Bang Ward, who wished to remain anonymous, told a different story.
He said parts of the temple had in fact been renovated as recently as last year before the site was conferred a Historic Heritage title by the local government.
Retiling was the only work that needed to be done, he said, adding that the structure could have been kept the same.
But according to the 2001 Cultural Heritage Law, Historic Heritage sites may only be renovated, not destroyed and completely rebuilt.
Read entire article at Thanh Nien News (Vietnam)
The 700-year-old Rong (Dragon) Temple was demolished in January under the approval of Dinh Bang Ward authorities, which said the temple was dilapidated and needed to be completely rebuilt for the celebration of Thang Long-Hanoi’s 1000th anniversary next year.
But an official of Dinh Bang Ward, who wished to remain anonymous, told a different story.
He said parts of the temple had in fact been renovated as recently as last year before the site was conferred a Historic Heritage title by the local government.
Retiling was the only work that needed to be done, he said, adding that the structure could have been kept the same.
But according to the 2001 Cultural Heritage Law, Historic Heritage sites may only be renovated, not destroyed and completely rebuilt.