Geochang County to Strengthen Maintenance of Illegal Occupancy Facilities around Rivers and Valleys

Task Force Formed to Conduct On-Site Inspections and Implement Administrative Measures

Geochang County, South Gyeongsang Province, announced that it will carry out a project to remove illegal facilities installed without permission around rivers and valleys and to create a safe and pleasant environment, under the initiative titled "Maintenance of Illegal Facilities around Rivers and Valleys."

This maintenance effort is being launched as a follow-up measure in response to the President's directive to strengthen management and maintenance in order to eradicate illegal occupation activities in rivers and valleys, and to ensure that everyone in the country can use these areas safely and freely.

Photo of Gyechang County meeting on full inspection of illegal structures around rivers and valleys

Recently, illegal facilities such as benches, tents, decks, and temporary structures have been installed around certain rivers, valleys, drainage channels, and parks. These installations are damaging the natural landscape and posing risks to the safety of visitors. In particular, some of these facilities are being set up and operated for commercial gain, raising concerns about the disruption of public facility usage order and the undermining of public interests.

In response, Geochang County will collaborate with relevant departments to maintain illegal facilities around rivers and valleys by forming a task force consisting of 42 members across 16 teams, led by the Deputy County Chief. The task force plans to carry out systematic inspections and maintenance. It will thoroughly assess the current status of rivers and valleys and will operate in close cooperation between departments to ensure efficient maintenance.

The county will conduct on-site inspections of river zones and areas surrounding valleys to comprehensively investigate the presence of illegal facilities. If any violations are identified, the county will encourage voluntary removal. Should voluntary removal not take place, administrative measures will be implemented in accordance with relevant laws, with the process proceeding in a phased manner.

Additionally, the county will continue guidance and enforcement activities to establish order in the use of public facilities and to create a nature-friendly environment. Promotional efforts will also be strengthened to raise awareness among residents and tourists about the importance of maintaining order and protecting the environment when using public facilities.

Gu Inmo, Mayor of Geochang County, stated, "Rivers, valleys, creeks, and parks are valuable public assets shared by all county residents. We will do our utmost to eradicate the installation of illegal facilities and to create a pleasant environment." He also appealed, "We kindly ask for the active cooperation of all county residents to ensure the safe and clean use of public facilities."

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