News
The Department of Environmental Supervision has identified 6 cases of illegal extraction of mineral resources
Employees of the Department of Environmental Supervision under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture have identified cases of illegal extraction of mineral resources in Adjara, Imereti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Shida Kartli, and Kvemo Kartli.
Illegal extraction of sand and gravel has been reported in the municipalities of Khelvachauri, Terjola, Borjomi, and Kaspi. The offenders, using specialized equipment, unlawfully extracted a total of more than 295 cubic meters of sand and gravel from the riverbeds of the Chorokhi, Kvirila and Mtkvari rivers.
In the municipality of Tskaltubo, a citizen unlawfully extracted 25 cubic meters of tuff stone and in the municipality of Marneuli, 10 cubic meters of basalt stone were unlawfully extracted.
Appropriate documentation has been prepared against the offenders. As the incident contains elements of a criminal offense, the case materials have been forwarded to the relevant authority for further action.
As a result of the violations, the total damage caused to the environment exceeds 5,500 GEL.
The timely Prevention, detection, and suppression of illegal use of natural resources is a top priority for the Department of Environmental Supervision. The patrol crews of the Department of Environmental Supervision conduct continuous 24-hour monitoring. In addition, they provide immediate responses to all reports received through the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture’s hotline (153).
