Liability was established for damaging trees during construction

Amendments and additions have been made to several legislative acts in Uzbekistan to strengthen the protection of the country's flora and fauna. This was outlined in a law signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on November 21.

The law establishes liability for intentionally damaging, destroying, or harming trees, bushes, or other plants through chemical or biological means during the construction or reconstruction of buildings, structures, or other projects. This applies to activities conducted on land where such actions violate established environmental protection requirements.

Furthermore, the law increases penalties for obstructing the lawful activities of state inspectors from environmental protection and ecology bodies, as well as for failing to comply with their instructions to rectify violations of environmental laws.

This follows a recent case in the Tashkent region, where a citizen unlawfully cut down four walnut trees without permits, causing environmental damage valued at 247,500,000 sums.