Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The government of Uzbekistan has issued a resolution "On Defining the Boundaries of Water Bodies with a Moratorium on Non-Metallic Mineral Extraction."

According to the resolution, boundaries have been set for areas within the riverbeds of the Chirchik, Syr Darya, Sangzor, Zarafshan, Naryn, Kashkadarya, and Surkhandarya rivers where an indefinite moratorium on non-metallic mineral extraction is imposed. The moratorium applies to riverbeds, riparian zones, and water protection areas.

Relevant organizations and khokimiyats (local authorities) are required to strictly monitor the cessation of riverbed cleaning and non-metallic mineral extraction activities in the moratorium areas. They must also enhance control measures to prevent illegal extraction of non-metallic minerals in these zones and take action in case of violations.

Additionally, measures will be taken to relocate entrepreneurs involved in the extraction and processing of sand and gravel mixtures in the moratorium zones to mountainous and foothill areas or small industrial zones near these territories. Land usage rights for plots containing non-metallic minerals for relocated entrepreneurs will be arranged through the "E-auksion" system.

This moratorium is in line with the Presidential Resolution on the indefinite prohibition of non-metallic mineral extraction in the specified riverbeds.