Information from the Press Service of the President
By the instruction of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the construction of a residential building in the “Ovçular evi” area on Mətbuat Avenue in Yasamal district has been halted. The reason is the illegal cutting of 54 trees in the area by the construction company and the complete destruction of greenery in the area. According to the information board at the construction site, a “Böyük Plaza” residential and commercial center was being built at the specified address in Yasamal district. However, the company carrying out the construction violated existing laws by illegally destroying the trees in the area with heavy machinery. The issue has caused serious dissatisfaction among residents of nearby buildings. President Ilham Aliyev reacted sharply to the illegal actions and tree cutting during the construction in the area, ordering the immediate suspension of construction work and the taking of the matter under control for investigation.
The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, which conducted an inspection of the area on Mətbuat Avenue in Yasamal district, drew up an act regarding the destruction of the trees, and the company carrying out the construction of the residential building was fined 130,000 manat, and a criminal case was initiated based on the fact.
Despite measures taken in our country to plant greenery, improve the ecological situation, implement various actions against illegal tree cutting, and conduct tree-planting campaigns, the destruction of existing greenery and the illegal cutting of trees is, of course, unacceptable.
President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the inadmissibility of illegal tree cutting and the importance of consistently taking strict measures against such violations, holding those responsible accountable, stating:
“We always keep environmental issues at the center of our attention. However, the matter that concerns both the public and me is the issue of tree cutting. It cannot be allowed. I believe that we should apply even stricter responsibility here. Tree cutting must be completely stopped. Only in rare cases, based on the opinion of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, can a tree be relocated or cut. That is why I have repeatedly expressed my opinion on these matters. I can say that the situation is more positive compared to previous years. However, we have not fully achieved what we want. At night, they come and cut trees illegally, leveling the land to build houses. This is inconsiderate, disgraceful, and a crime.
Therefore, relevant authorities should make proposals, and we must take even stricter measures against those who cut trees. They must be held accountable. I want to repeat that not a single tree in the city can be cut without the permission or opinion of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. This is my final warning.” (Quote from President Ilham Aliyev’s concluding speech at the Cabinet of Ministers’ meeting on April 13, 2014, dedicated to the results of the socio-economic development of the first quarter and the upcoming tasks).
