Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Members of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis reviewed the draft law aimed at strengthening measures to protect underground water resources during its second reading.

It was noted that in recent years, Uzbekistan has been undergoing large-scale reforms in water resource management. Particular attention has been given to the rational use of water for public and economic needs, the prevention of negative water-related impacts, and the mitigation of their consequences.

At the same time, the need for additional measures to protect underground water resources has increased due to rising demand for drinking water, the proliferation of unauthorized well drilling, and the uncontrolled and unaccounted use of water resources.

The draft law proposes amendments and additions to the Administrative Responsibility Code, the Tax Code, and the Law “On Licensing, Permits, and Notification Procedures.” Specifically, it introduces liability for illegal underground well drilling and non-compliance with instructions aimed at preventing hazardous geological processes.

Additionally, the bill suggests increasing the tax rate for groundwater extraction without water metering devices and replacing the existing permit system for well drilling with a licensing framework for such activities.

Following detailed discussions and exchanges of views, the draft law was sent back to the responsible committee for further revision.