KUWAIT CITY, Oct 12: The number of environmental police field visits, reports, complaints, and misdemeanor cases recorded over the past six months reached 4,856, quoting a security source who confirmed that serious violations could lead to deportation for expatriates and imprisonment or heavy fines for citizens. The source stated that “as part of security efforts to enforce the law on those proven to have violated the Environmental Law, such as dumping waste or garbage in public, tourist or desert facilities, the Environmental Police, which is affiliated with the Public Security Sector in the Interior Ministry, conducted field visits that resulted in the arrest of several violators.” He disclosed that the field visits during the first six months of this year resulted in the recording of numerous environmental violations -- a total of 4,856, including 2,151 environmental violations, 1,332 misdemeanor cases, and 1,035 field visits in a large number of sites witnessing waste dumping or the presence of violators. The Complaints and Reports Department received 347 reports regarding the presence of waste or illegal dumping of waste.”

added the environmental police formed field security teams, reinforced by female police officers, to conduct round-the-clock patrols in many locations with high densities of citizens and expatriates, such as tourist and recreational sites, some vital sites, and desert areas. He affirmed the close coordination of the Environmental Police, the Environment Public Authority, and the Kuwait Municipality in laying down a plan to stop the illegal dumping of waste and debris, monitor violators, and hold them accountable. He said the penalty for some serious or repeated environmental violations by expatriates may include deportation, while cases are filed against citizens. Depending on the type of violation, penalties range from a fine to imprisonment.”

He emphasized, “There is no leniency towards those who dump waste on roads or vital, tourist, marine and land areas. Inspection will be conducted soon in the desert areas to track down those who make bonfires and deliberately damage the desert environment by refraining from putting firewood or charcoal in the firebox.”