Fines for environmental violations planned to be increased in Kyrgyzstan

11:46, 20 сентября 2023, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Maria ORLOVA

The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan plans to increase fines for violations in the field of environmental protection. Corresponding amendments to the Code of Offenses have been submitted for public discussion.

As the background statement says, environmental protection in Kyrgyzstan is currently one of the priority tasks, to which great importance is attached.

«The country has laws and regulations that regulate the activities of enterprises and organizations with regard to environmental protection. However, to achieve positive results in this area, it is necessary to strengthen control over compliance with environmental standards and to work actively to prevent violations of environmental legislation among the population and businesses,» the ministry said.

The introduction of stricter penalties for violations in the field of environmental protection is necessary to ensure more effective control over compliance with environmental standards and the preservation of natural resources of Kyrgyzstan.

The Ministry of Natural Resources notes that the increase in penalties will serve as a warning to potential violators, encourage enterprises and organizations to comply with environmental rules and regulations, which in turn will lead to a reduction in environmental pollution.

In addition, the increase in fines will increase the efficiency of the Environmental and Technical Supervision Service and improve monitoring of compliance with environmental standards, and may also help increase state revenues. «These additional funds can be used to implement programs to protect the environment and support environmentally friendly technologies,» the ministry added.

The current administrative measures are too insignificant to have a deterrent effect: many violators prefer to pay fines, considering them a lesser evil compared to the benefit they receive as a result of the violation.