Fines for deliberately drying trees are increased in Uzbekistan

On October 24, during the 59th plenary session of the Senate, it was announced that Uzbekistan plans to increase fines for the intentional drying of trees. This change is part of a draft law titled "On making additions and amendments to certain legal documents of the Republic of Uzbekistan aimed at strengthening the protection of animal and plant life."

The proposed legislation includes changes to two existing codes and two laws, specifically aimed at enhancing accountability for violations regarding the use of animal and plant resources. 

Key provisions of the draft law include:

- Criminal code amendments: Individuals caught hunting or fishing using electric currents, explosives, chemical substances, or biological agents will face fines ranging from 400 to 600 times the basic calculation amount, along with penalties such as 3 to 5 years of restricted freedom or imprisonment. In severe cases, additional punishments may include the deprivation of certain rights.

- Administrative code updates: Fines for violating hunting and fishing regulations, as well as other wildlife usage laws, will be doubled. The penalties for using chemical, biological, or bacteriological means to intentionally harm trees, bushes, or other plants during construction or major renovations will be set at 35 to 50 times the basic calculation amount for individuals and 60 to 75 times for officials.

- Increased responsibility: The penalties for obstructing the legal activities of the State Inspector of Ecology and failing to comply with their instructions have also been raised. Fines for citizens will range from 5 to 10 times the basic calculation amount, while officials will face fines from 20 to 30 times.

The new regulations aim to harmonize the laws "On the Protection and Use of the Animal World" and "On Hunting and the Hunting Economy," while addressing legal gaps concerning hunting and fishing weapons.

For context, it was recently reported that a citizen who cut down a mulberry tree in the Toyloq district of the Samarkand region was fined over 71 million sums.