Uzbekistan Probes Illegal Cutting of Ancient Junipers

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change has launched an investigation into the uprooting and damage of trees on the territory of the Uzun forestry in the Sangardak mahalla of the Sariasia district in Surkhandarya region.

According to the agency, the incident was recorded on 3 August 2026. A working group comprising representatives of the Eco-police, the Prosecutor General's Office, the Khokimiyat of Surkhandarya region, and the regional ecology department has been formed to investigate the circumstances.

Preliminary information indicates that the work was carried out without the required permits, despite warnings from environmental protection officials.

It has been preliminarily established that 11 Zarafshan juniper trees, aged approximately 100 years, were uprooted. Specialists are currently assessing the extent of environmental damage, verifying the compliance of construction work with environmental legislation, and identifying the individuals involved in the violation.

The National Committee for Ecology stated that those responsible will be held accountable in accordance with the law once the investigation is complete, and additional information regarding the findings will be published later.