The Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan has announced a temporary restriction on the powers of the Tashkent City Ecology Department, effective until February 1. This decision comes in response to the ministry's concerns regarding the violation of moratorium regulations on tree cutting in the capital, leading to numerous complaints from residents. The statement emphasizes that permissions for tree cutting or replanting will now only be granted in agreement with the relevant department of the ministry.
Reasons for Restriction
The ministry highlights the non-compliance with the moratorium on tree cutting in Tashkent as the primary reason for limiting the powers of the city's ecology department. Residents have reportedly filed numerous complaints, citing instances where permissions to cut down or replant trees were issued without adherence to the law. The move aims to address these issues and ensure more stringent control over tree-related activities in the city.
Internal Audit and Suspension
In a further measure to address the concerns, the Minister of Ecology has ordered an internal audit against the head of the Tashkent City Ecology Department, Farkhod Dekhkanov. Consequently, he has been suspended from his duties from December 30 to February 1. The internal audit will scrutinize the activities of managers and employees across all structural divisions of the department, focusing on the legality and validity of permits issued for tree cutting and shrub removal on land plots not included in the state forest fund during the period 2021-2023.
Farkhod Dekhkanov was arrested in September 2022 in connection with the tree-cutting incidents in the Chilanzar and Uchtepa districts, but he was released the following day.
Recent Case and Legal Actions
The ministry points to a recent case involving damage to a perennial tree, specifically an oak in the Yunusabad district. Investigation results revealed that the oak tree was transplanted to the Urtachirchik district of the Tashkent region by Max Processing without adhering to relevant agrotechnical requirements. In response, the Tashkent prosecutor's office has initiated a criminal case against the company's employees and other individuals under Article 198 (damage or destruction of crops, forests, trees, or other plants, causing major damage) and Article 229 (arbitrariness) of the Criminal Code.
Earlier Daryo reported that an individual identified as M.R., holding the position of chief specialist within the Department of Forest Development and Combating Desertification in the Natural Resources Department of the Navoi region, has been apprehended on charges of receiving bribes in return for granting approval for tree felling.
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