Uzbekistan uncovers roughly $4 million in environmental damage from illegal activities

Numerous cases of illegal gravel extraction, tree felling, poaching, and environmental pollution have been uncovered across Uzbekistan.

The Uzbek State Security Service conducted the investigation, with joint working groups composed of personnel from the Service, General Prosecutor’s Office, Interior Ministry, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, and Ministry of Ecology carrying out 116 inspections nationwide, Caliber.Az reports via the State Service.

The checks revealed 39 cases of illegal sand and gravel mining, 36 instances of tree cutting, 15 incidents of illegal fishing, six cases of weapons possession and poaching, and 20 instances of environmental pollution.

The total damage to nature from these violations amounted to 46.7 billion Uzbek sums (approximately $3.9 million).

Uzbekistan faces growing environmental challenges due to illegal resource extraction, deforestation, and pollution, which threaten biodiversity, water security, and local livelihoods.

The government has increasingly prioritised ecological oversight, establishing inter-agency task forces to investigate violations and enforce environmental regulations.

Despite these efforts, illegal activities persist, often driven by economic incentives, highlighting the ongoing tension between development pressures and environmental protection.

By Khagan Isayev