Recently, a meeting was held chaired by Nurlan Ermatov, the first deputy representative of the president in the region, where issues regarding the cessation of extraction in the riverbeds and the possibility of opening alternative quarries were discussed.
The event was attended by members of the regional commission, representatives of local authorities, and businessmen. During the discussion, it was noted that years of illegal extraction of sand and gravel in the Kök-Art riverbed has led to a deepening of the riverbed by 2 to 8 meters.
These actions have created a threat to 2,547 residential houses and 898 hectares of agricultural land. In response to violations of environmental regulations, some entrepreneurs were fined a total of 526,000 soms. A temporary ban on the extraction of sand and gravel will be introduced in certain sections of the river during the 2024–2025 period.
The meeting also discussed ongoing reclamation work on the Kök-Art and Kara-Darya rivers, as well as measures to stop illegal extraction and organize systematic raids. Additionally, participants sought alternative quarries to provide necessary materials for major state projects.
As a result of the meeting, all entrepreneurs were instructed to complete the reclamation of their sites by February 20. Law enforcement agencies, environmental services, and local authorities will jointly develop a schedule and organize round-the-clock raids, with the equipment of violators being impounded.
Furthermore, it is planned to conduct an inventory of asphalt concrete plants (ACP), crushers, and other illegal facilities located along the Kök-Art and Kara-Darya rivers. Those engaged in illegal activities will have their electricity supply disconnected.
Participants of the meeting emphasized priority tasks such as reducing the risks of mudflows and floods, protecting settlements, and ensuring legality. They noted that the implementation of these instructions will be monitored.
