The death of these trees not only mars the city’s aesthetic but also tarnishes Điện Biên’s image, a province synonymous with the Bauhinia flower of the Northwest mountains and the annual Bauhinia Festival. Observations show that many trees along the stretch from the Mường Thanh Bridge to the A1 Bridge are leafless, with cracked, rotting trunks, some with diameters of 20 to 40cm, indicating total loss of vitality. The remaining stumps are uneven, and several trees wither shortly after blooming for just a few seasons. This situation has raised concern among residents over the deteriorating visual appeal and cultural loss.

Trần Thị Thu, a resident of Điện Biên Phủ ward, remarked how sad she feels seeing the once-vibrant trees wilt away. “Mass die-offs like this are worrying and damaging to Điện Biên’s image, especially as it ties closely to the Bauhinia Festival and our pride in this signature flower of the region.”

Similarly, Phan Thế Tịnh, an elderly local who walks the street for morning exercise, recalled: “The street used to be beautiful with the fragrance and white blossoms of ban flowers. Now so many trees have died, it’s disheartening. I hope authorities act quickly to restore and care for the trees.”

Even younger generations are feeling the loss. Lò Thị Nga from Thanh Nưa commune said: “We often take photos with the ban flowers during the festival. If many trees here die, the upcoming Bauhinia Festival will lose its color, which would be unfortunate for our province’s image.”

Facing this reality, many residents are calling on authorities to urgently restore the tree line. Suggestions include removing dead trees, replanting with healthy saplings of uniform size and clear origin, and implementing regular care schedules. Investment in watering systems, fertilization, and pest control has been cited as essential to prevent repeat die-offs.

Lê Thị Hương, another local resident, noted: “Bauhinia trees don’t live as long as other species, so they’re prone to dying after several years. Authorities must act to maintain this unique feature of our province.” She also pointed out that some dead trees have only had their branches cut, with no replacements planted, which leaves an eyesore and dilutes the city’s cultural landscape, especially pressing as the next Bauhinia Festival is just over six months away.

From 2019 to 2025, Điện Biên province implemented a plan to develop Bauhinia trees as a provincial symbol, linked to tourism and cultural branding. Bauhinia trees have been planted in parks, on major roads, at historical sites, and in schools. Yet for true impact, the program requires more than just planting, it needs a long-term, synchronized care strategy, supported by the community, schools, and civic organizations.

The restoration of Bauhinia trees along Phạm Văn Đồng Street is not only about landscape, it plays a pivotal role in promoting Điện Biên’s image to tourists. The Bauhinia Festival attracts tens of thousands of domestic and international visitors each year and showcases the ethnic cultures, music, costumes, and cuisine of the Northwest. A boulevard blooming with pristine white ban flowers would leave a lasting impression and enhance the province’s cultural tourism profile.

Given the urgency, local authorities must take more decisive action. Besides replacing dead trees, there needs to be cross-sector collaboration in urban green-space planning, selection of tree species suited to local soil and climate, application of modern horticultural techniques, and openness to public feedback. Restoring, maintaining, and preserving the Bauhinia tree line on Phạm Văn Đồng Street should be a shared responsibility, carried out with full respect for a flower that embodies the cultural soul, historical memory, and enduring pride of heroic Điện Biên.