At a conference on September 12 in Plei Ơi Village, the People’s Committee of Chư A Thai Commune announced the new zoning plan, following Decision No. 584/QĐ-UBND issued by the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee on June 20, 2025.
Under the revised plan, Protection Zone I covers 10.35 hectares, including 6.78 ha of Chư Tao Yang mountain, 1.37 ha at the residence of Mr. Siu Luynh, 1 ha of Ơi Y pond, 0.55 ha of the cemetery, and 0.65 ha of the water wharf. Protection Zone II spans 23 hectares, surrounding Zone I and related structures.
The Plei Ơi site, designated a national heritage site in 1993 under Decision No. 281/QĐ-BT by the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), originally covered about 122 hectares. However, boundaries were never clearly defined, complicating management and preservation.
Officials said the adjustment aims to preserve, restore, and promote the site’s cultural value, enhance community awareness, and provide a framework for cultural tourism and sustainable livelihoods in Chư A Thai Commune.
The commune called on 23 surrounding villages and Plei Ơi residents to comply with the 2024 Law on Cultural Heritage, warning that restoration must follow scientific principles without altering original architecture. Local authorities also pledged stricter coordination in organizing festivals, fire prevention, and preventing encroachment.
The Department of Culture and Social Affairs was assigned to increase inspections, address violations, and mobilize organizations and individuals to contribute to the preservation and promotion of the Plei Ơi National Heritage Site.