Maximum 1 Year Imprisonment for Illegal Riverbank Platforms, Shade Sails, and Cultivation Enforcement

Ministry of the Interior and Safety Announces Legislative Notice for Partial Amendment to the Small Stream Maintenance Act
Strengthening Penalties Including Fines Up to 10 Million Won

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] During the summer, installing benches or shade shelters that obstruct water flow near rivers or cultivating crops without permission in river areas will be punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on the 20th that it will propose a revision to the "Small River Maintenance Act" to double the penalties for violators who illegally occupy, use, or damage small river areas and facilities, causing public harm, in order to eradicate illegal activities in small rivers.

The revision strengthens the penalty provisions from the original imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to 5 million won for public damage caused by damage to small river facilities and illegal acts, to imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won.

Additionally, while compensation was previously collected equivalent to the occupancy fee for unauthorized occupation or use of small river facilities, the compensation amount will now be increased to 120% of the occupancy fee.

Furthermore, a special provision has been established to allow the removal of illegal occupancies without going through the usual administrative enforcement procedures in urgent cases for flood prevention in small rivers.

The Ministry explained that this revision reflects the recommendations from last year's National Assembly audit, which pointed out habitual damages caused by illegal facility installations and business operations within small rivers, as well as proposals from local governments to improve systems to eradicate illegal business activities in rivers and valleys during the holiday season.

The revision also requires local management authorities to secure the necessary budget for small river maintenance projects. This is due to the transfer of the budget for small river maintenance projects, which was previously promoted with national subsidies until last year, to local governments starting this year as part of fiscal decentralization.

If you have any opinions on this legislative amendment, you can submit them online through the Public Participation Legislation Center (http://opinion.lawmaking.go.kr) or send them to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety Disaster Mitigation Division (044-205-5147) by June 1.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.