AN unauthorised "tourist resort" at the Popokvil waterfall area on Phnom Bokor,

near Kampot, has been given until the end of August to pack its bags and clear

the site it's on, according to Business News.

It reports the Director of

Protection and Conservation, Chay Sameth, as saying investigations had begun on

how the occupants obtained land titles in the area, declared a national park six

years ago. Collusion between police and military figures and the land office was

suspected. More than 200 hectares have been deforested in the waterfall area,

and the resort's illegal toilets were polluting the Kampot water

supply.

Illegal settlers have stepped up deforestation elsewhere on Bokor

from about eight hectares in 1993 to 40 hectares now in one area. Farms on the

deforested land are believed by locals to be the enterprises of senior police.