National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

During the event, it became clear that more than ten business entities in the coastal areas of the river and water protection zones do not comply with the requirements of the moratorium and continue to extract sand and gravel mixtures on the basis of licenses issued earlier by the Ministry of Mining and Geology.

It is worth noting that by Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated January 17, 2024 No. 17 "On measures to streamline the extraction of non-metallic materials in reservoirs" from May 1, 2024, an indefinite moratorium on the extraction of non-metallic materials was introduced in the beds of the Chirchik, Syrdarya, Sanzar, Zarafshan, Naryn, Kashkadarya, and Surkhandarya rivers, the extraction of sand and gravel mixture in riverbeds, coastal areas, and water protection zones.

According to the Decree, the Ministry of Geology and authorized bodies should organize similar work on the extraction of non-metallic materials at alternative sites located in mountainous or foothill areas (on land), which will avoid depletion of water resources, erosion of river banks, pollution of water protection zones with various wastes, as well as damage to irrigation systems and hydraulic infrastructure facilities.

However, despite the relevance of the intended goal and tasks, it became known that in some regions, the requirements of the moratorium are grossly violated. Unfortunately, the responsible ministries and departments have not taken any measures to curb this illegal activity, in particular, to revoke existing licenses. As a result, the banks of the Chirchik River in the region were eroded in places up to 30 meters, water protection zones were polluted with various wastes, and filtration waters came to the surface due to haphazard excavations.

Also, a plant for the production of building materials was built and is currently operating in the coastal area of the river in gross violation of current regulations.

Currently, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change is establishing the extent of damage caused to nature as a result of the negligence of officials and the illegal activities of business entities.

As a result of the research, a legal decision will be made.