Hwasun-gun Conducts 'Comprehensive Crackdown on Illegal Farming in Rivers' Until the 17th

Published 09 Dec.2021 14:38(KST)

[Hwasun=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Ji-woon] Jeonnam Hwasun-gun (Governor Gu Chung-gon) announced on the 9th that it will conduct a comprehensive crackdown on illegal cultivation and preservation of river environments at 62 local rivers and 400 small rivers until the 17th.

The county has organized a comprehensive inspection team to check for illegal land occupation activities such as crop cultivation and installation of structures within river zones.

The comprehensive inspection will focus on guidance and educating residents to eradicate illegal activities, and if illegal acts are detected, restoration to the original state will be the principle. Depending on the case, strong administrative measures such as prosecution under the River Act and collection of compensation fees will also be taken.

Illegal cultivation within rivers is subject to imprisonment of up to 2 years or a fine of up to 20 million won according to Article 95 of the River Act.

For detected illegal occupation acts, the county plans to continuously manage the situation until illegal factors are resolved through removal of crops and restoration to the original state.

A county official said, “Illegal activities within rivers can lead to natural disasters such as water pollution and river flooding caused by bank erosion, so we ask for active interest and cooperation from residents to eradicate illegal acts.”