The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan has submitted a package of amendments to the Water and Land Codes for public discussion.
The new version of the Water Code proposes to determine the issues of permits for discharge of pollutants and wastes into water bodies, water facilities and lands of the water fund. The definition «and waste» is excluded as it contradicts the law on environmental protection, where dumping of wastes into water bodies is prohibited.
It is also proposed to simplify the procedure and reduce the number of documents for obtaining a water discharge permit.
The authors advocate for the inclusion of water protection zones and strips into the lands of the water fund.
Amendments to the Law on Renewable Energy Sources are also proposed. It is about reducing the impact on the environment. It is specified that small hydroelectric power stations should not change hydrological regime of water bodies and harm the environment, including the ways of fish spawning and wild animals’ migration.
It is necessary to accelerate the development of renewable energy sources, including small hydropower plants, because there is a shortage of electricity.
