Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis is set to review a draft law proposing a ban on the privatization of recreational parks, boulevards, and squares, according to the parliamentary press service.

The bill, developed by the parliamentary factions of the Social Democratic Party "Adolat" and the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan, is the first legislative initiative presented to the newly convened Legislative Chamber.

According to the explanatory note accompanying the draft, recent years have seen an increase in the development of park areas, squares, and public green spaces. The cutting down of mature trees and air pollution have sparked public discontent.

Particular attention is drawn to the practice of transferring park lands to local government reserves, followed by their alienation. Lawmakers believe this has led to a reduction in park areas and underscores the need for legal protection.

Currently, the existing legislation does not include strict provisions prohibiting the privatization of park lands or the construction of permanent structures within their boundaries. The new law aims to address these legislative gaps.

The draft law proposes a ban on the alienation of park lands, buildings located on their premises, the reduction of park territories, and the construction of new facilities or the expansion of existing ones (except for lightweight structures). These restrictions would also apply to botanical gardens.

Administrative penalties are planned for violations of these bans. The law’s initiators believe its adoption will strengthen the legal mechanisms for protecting parks and improve the country’s environmental situation.