The Water Transport Police, in coordination with relevant state agencies, have conducted operations to curb illegal interference in river protection zones. This initiative is part of broader efforts to protect the country's water resources and environmental integrity.
According to information provided to the Operative Information Center-OMM by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), officers from the Water Transport Police Department, working alongside the State Service for Control over Water Use and Protection under the State Water Resources Agency, carried out inspections to identify and prevent violations in riverbeds and protected zones.
Recent operations conducted in the Gabala and Lankaran districts revealed significant breaches of environmental legislation. Authorities determined that unauthorized excavation activities had taken place, and various structures were illegally constructed within water protection zones. These activities have negatively impacted the natural flow of rivers and caused damage to the surrounding ecosystem.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that legal proceedings are currently underway regarding the documented violations. Authorities are gathering evidence to ensure that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Investigations into these environmental offenses are ongoing.
Illegal sand and gravel extraction is a persistent environmental challenge that can lead to riverbank erosion, disruption of aquatic habitats, and changes in water quality. The Azerbaijani government has intensified its monitoring of such activities in recent years to ensure sustainable resource management and compliance with environmental protection laws.
