In a document sent to the ambassador and permanent delegate of Viet Nam to UNESCO Paris last Friday, Duong Van Quang, the UNESCO Ha Noi Office and the National Commission of Viet Nam for UNESCO, Director Kishore Rao noted that the construction of the National Assembly House and surrounding wall could be causing irreparable damage to the site, which might pose a potential threat to the authenticity and Outstanding Universal Value of this World Heritage property.
It also highlighted issues related to the management of the citadel that might impact the property's upkeep.
On July 18, the Viet Nam Association of Historical Sciences, the Viet Nam Cultural Heritage Association and the Vietnamese Archaeologists Association appealed to the Prime Minister that ongoing construction of the National Assembly House threatened the World Heritage status of the archaeological site next door.
A week later, the Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO required parties concerned to make a report to the Prime Minister and rectify reported wrongdoings as soon as possible. According to the commission, it was likely that UNESCO would send over an international delegation to assess the situation and raise the issue at a meeting in July next year.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Monday called for the Ministry of Construction to request relevant authorities to repair the damage to Zones C and D at the archaeological site.
Vice chairperson of the municipal People's Committee, Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, said on Tuesday the city had worked with the culture ministry to press the project's management board to clear up construction materials around the citadel in the next couple of days.
As the raining season peaks, drainage at the site must be ready and well prepared, Ngoc said.
"More importantly, uncovered excavation pits must be filled with sand to help preserve any relics inside them. Some pits are roofed so they are not inundated with rain water.
It also highlighted issues related to the management of the citadel that might impact the property's upkeep.
On July 18, the Viet Nam Association of Historical Sciences, the Viet Nam Cultural Heritage Association and the Vietnamese Archaeologists Association appealed to the Prime Minister that ongoing construction of the National Assembly House threatened the World Heritage status of the archaeological site next door.
A week later, the Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO required parties concerned to make a report to the Prime Minister and rectify reported wrongdoings as soon as possible. According to the commission, it was likely that UNESCO would send over an international delegation to assess the situation and raise the issue at a meeting in July next year.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Monday called for the Ministry of Construction to request relevant authorities to repair the damage to Zones C and D at the archaeological site.
Vice chairperson of the municipal People's Committee, Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, said on Tuesday the city had worked with the culture ministry to press the project's management board to clear up construction materials around the citadel in the next couple of days.
As the raining season peaks, drainage at the site must be ready and well prepared, Ngoc said.
"More importantly, uncovered excavation pits must be filled with sand to help preserve any relics inside them. Some pits are roofed so they are not inundated with rain water.
