Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has ordered law enforcement and environmental agencies to begin fining and in severe cases, confiscating vehicles used in a manner that damages mountain ecosystems, particularly in nature reserves and alpine pastures.
In a social media post featuring a video of individuals riding quad bikes through mountainous terrain, reportedly within a protected area, Japarov called on the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Natural Resources to take immediate action.
“Those driving gasoline-powered vehicles in mountain reserves and pastures should have them confiscated,” the president declared.
Japarov said such incidents are occurring nationwide, with the reckless use of off-road vehicles and quad bikes leading to the destruction of fragile slopes and pastureland.
“As seen in the video, quad bikes tear up slopes, burn grass, and destroy pastures. Most often these are our youth, but also adults and tourists. Despite existing roads, some choose to drive onto pastures, carving new tracks and damaging the natural landscape,” he said.
He emphasized that this behavior degrades mountain ecosystems by trampling vegetation, damaging soil, and accelerating erosion.
The president has directed the government to draft legislation authorizing the police and the Ministry of Nature to issue fines and seize vehicles used in ecologically harmful ways.
“Where the road ends, continue on foot or horseback. Nature is our shared heritage, and we must preserve it for future generations,” he added.
Japarov also called on local authorities to help identify violators and enforce ecological protection measures.
Following the president’s directive, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision, in coordination with local police, detained a group of individuals operating quad bikes in mountain areas.
“They were informed about environmental safety rules, nature conservation, and relevant legislation,” the ministry said.
The offenders were each fined 5,500 KGS (approximately $60).
