18 administrative fines totalling 2.9 million tenge were collected from water law violators since the start of the year.
According to the press service of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, a total of 35 administrative fines amounting to 6.4 million tenge were imposed for illegal water use during the reporting period.
"Of these, 12 administrative fines totalling 1.4 million tenge were imposed as a result of unscheduled inspections, and 23 administrative fines totalling 5 million tenge were imposed based on materials received from law enforcement and state bodies," the statement said.
It is noted that the basin inspectorates of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation conducted 13 inspections for compliance with water legislation requirements, during which 8 violations were identified. Seven orders were issued to eliminate the identified violations.
It became known that in 2024, 556 administrative fines totalling approximately 44.5 million tenge were collected from water law violators. The basin inspectorates also conducted 439 inspections, during which 1,855 violations were identified.
"To combat the 'black market' for water, a Committee for Regulation, Protection and Use of Water Resources was established under the ministry last year, and the number of water inspectors increased from 98 to 210 people," the department stated.
In turn, Vice-Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurlan Aldamzharov reported on new changes to water legislation.
"In the new Water Code, basin inspectorates are granted supervisory functions; after the document comes into effect, they will be able to take prompt response measures. In addition, amendments have been made to the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan 'On Administrative Offences,' which provide for stricter liability for violations in the water sector," Aldamzharov reported.