On July 15, inspectors responsible for environmental control in Bukhara region experienced an intense and dangerous evening. The incident, which occurred almost at dawn, sparked serious discussion in the broader public.
The Bukhara Regional Department of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change organized a special raid in the Safron desert area of Peshku district. Several environmental inspectors, led by the head of the inspection team, took part in the raid. The main purpose of the operation was to expose individuals illegally harvesting plants, particularly saxsaul, and to prevent such activity.
During the inspection, the inspectors spotted a “ZIL” cargo truck, operated by unknown individuals from Khorezm region. The truck was loaded with saxsaul plants cut in the desert, and the driver was driving along interior desert roads without legal permission.
The inspectors decided to follow the truck in their official vehicle. Interestingly, the pursuit lasted nearly 110 kilometers, continuing along the A‑380 highway from Guzor–Bukhara–Nukus all the way to Khorezm region.
In order not to lose sight of the vehicle, the head of the inspection team asked the other inspectors to leave the vehicle and continued the chase alone. But an “ISUZU” truck with Khorezm license plates blocked the road, and the events took a completely different turn.
Men armed with metal rods, bats, and iron pipes emerged from that vehicle. They not only smashed the official vehicle but also verbally abused the head of the inspection, using derogatory language. In addition, they brutally beat the environmental inspectors; several people were seriously injured, and one person was confirmed to have a broken leg.
The unknown attackers forcefully loaded inspectors onto the bed of the “ZIL” truck and tried to take them away. However, the inspectors showed unexpected bravery, escaped from the moving truck, and managed to flee.
Following the incident, public debate reignited around the illegal cutting of saxsaul, the criminal activity of organized groups behind it, and the actions of responsible agencies for ecological safety. It was considered not just an attack on inspectors but an open threat to the entire system.
Currently, the Prosecutor’s Office of Tuprokkala district, Khorezm region, is conducting an investigation. Once the investigation is complete and the perpetrators identified, official information will be provided to the public.
Experts emphasize that such attacks should be regarded not only as violations of law but as assaults on public servants. Since any oversight activity must be carried out within the legal framework, aggression against it demands severe accountability.
Relevant authorities are now reviewing the prevention of such incidents, strengthening the safety of raids, and raising the protection of forest resources to a new level.
At the same time, the public is being urged to actively participate in environmental protection and assist in exposing illegal tree cutting. After all, the health of nature means the future of society.
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