During a meeting attended by the first deputy representative of the president in the region, Nurlan Ermatov, issues related to the cessation of inert material extraction and the opening of alternative quarries were discussed. The meeting included members of the regional commission, local authorities, and entrepreneurs.
It was noted at the meeting that years of illegal extraction of sand and gravel in the Kök-Art riverbed have led to a deepening of the riverbed by 2–8 meters. This has posed a threat to 2,547 residential properties and 898 hectares of agricultural land.
For violations of environmental regulations, entrepreneurs were fined a total of 526,000 soms. A temporary ban on the extraction of sand and gravel will be in effect in certain sections of the rivers in 2024–2025.
Measures for the reclamation of the Kök-Art and Kara-Darya rivers were also discussed, along with the need to stop illegal extraction, systematize raids, and find alternative sources of inert materials for state projects.
As a result of the meeting, all entrepreneurs must complete the reclamation of their sites by February 20. A schedule for round-the-clock raids will be developed through the joint efforts of law enforcement agencies, environmental services, and local authorities, and the equipment of violators is planned to be impounded.
Additionally, an inventory of asphalt concrete plants (ACP), crushers, and other facilities operating illegally along the riverbanks will be conducted. Those who violate the law will have their electricity disconnected.
Participants in the meeting emphasized that among the priority tasks remain the reduction of the risk of mudflows and floods, the protection of populated areas, and the enforcement of legality. Monitoring of the implementation of the directives will be carried out.
