EPA records five violations in southern environmental campaign

The Environment Public Authority (EPA) judicial officers in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, recorded five environmental violations during a field inspection campaign carried out in the southern region near Nuwaiseeb.

Director of Public Relations and Media at the Authority, Sheikha Al-Ibrahim, told the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Saturday that the violations were related to the use of construction materials harmful to the desert environment, as well as grazing in areas not designated for the purpose.

Al-Ibrahim explained the campaign was launched following a report from the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries Resources to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, particularly Articles 40 and 41 of the Environmental Protection Law, reports Al-Jarida daily.

She noted that Article 40 prohibits individuals who frequent desert areas for camping or other purposes from engaging in any activity that may damage the soil, alter its natural characteristics, or pollute it in a way that affects its productivity. The article also mandates adherence to requirements and standards set out in the law’s executive regulations.

Al-Ibrahim added that violations of Article 40 are punishable by a fine ranging from 250 to 5,000 Kuwaiti dinars, in addition to obligating violators to remove the effects of the violation within a timeframe specified by the Authority.

Failure to do so will result in the Authority carrying out the removal at the violator’s expense.

Regarding Article 41, she explained that it prohibits grazing, irrigated agriculture, or any other activities that harm the quantity or quality of vegetation cover, leading to desertification or degradation of the terrestrial environment.

The article also bans damaging crops, plants, and trees, picking flowers in public areas, or uprooting trees and wild plants on public land, except as permitted by the law’s executive regulations for development purposes. Compensation is required for any removed green cover or trees.

Al-Ibrahim stated that violations of Article 41 carry similar fines, stressing the importance of adhering to the Environmental Protection Law and its executive regulations to preserve the environment, ensure sustainability, and prevent violations.