News
The Department of Environmental Supervision Identifies 4 Cases of Illegal Sand and Gravel Extraction
Patrolling and urgent resposne staff of the Department of Environmental Supervision of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture have identified cases of illegal sand and gravel extraction in Guria, Imereti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Kvemo Kartli.
In the municipalities of Ozurgeti, Samtredia, Kazbegi, and Marneuli, offenders illegally extracted approximately 400 cubic meters of sand and gravel using specialized equipment.
Relevant legal documentation has been prepared against the offenders. Case materials containing elements of a criminal offense will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for further legal proceedings.
The prevention, detection, and suppression of illegal use of natural resources remains a priority for the Environmental Supervision Department. The Department’s patrol units conduct continuous 24-hour monitoring across the country and respond promptly to every report received through the Ministry’s hotline (153).
As a result, between January 1 and December 31, 2025, the Department identified 141 cases of illegal sand and gravel extraction, 47 of which contain elements of a criminal offense. The total environmental damage caused by these violations exceeds GEL 2.5 million.
