Strict penalties have been established for the improper use of water in Uzbekistan

A new law has come into force in Uzbekistan aimed at improving the use of land plots and strengthening their protection, as reported by upl.uz.

According to the Ministry of Justice, this document introduces significant changes in the management of land and water resources. One of the main innovations is the fight against the illegal extraction of groundwater through unauthorized wells. Such actions will now be subject to administrative liability. This regulation is aimed at preventing uncontrolled use of water.

New requirements have also been established for landowners. If the payments for land are not made on time and the debt is not cleared within 6 months after a warning from the state authority, the property rights to the land may be revoked. This measure is implemented to prevent land from being inefficiently left unused.

According to the law, changing land categories will now also be carried out under strict regulations. For example, transferring irrigated lands to another category will only be possible if specific requirements are met. This is considered important for maintaining the significance of the irrigation system in agriculture.

Another important innovation is the tax issue related to the use of groundwater. If water is extracted without meters, the tax rate will be five times higher than the standard. However, this rule does not apply to individuals who extract no more than 5 cubic meters of water per day for their own needs.

According to data, the majority of Uzbekistan's water resources consist of groundwater. 60 percent of the agricultural land in the country relies on irrigation systems, with a significant portion being irrigated specifically by groundwater.