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Lawmakers have introduced a new bill that, according to them, will be key to protecting parks, boulevards, and public squares from privatization. However, the question arises: will it bring real change or remain another formality?
Currently, there are no detailed explanations about the bill—only a brief announcement on the parliament’s website.
What Does the Bill Propose?
- A ban on reducing the territory of such zones, constructing buildings and structures (except for light objects), or expanding existing ones.
- Toughening criminal liability for such offenses.
- Including botanical gardens in the list of protected natural areas with similar protective measures.
Why Is This Necessary?
Lawmakers point out that in recent years, cases of constructing buildings and facilities on the territory of parks, squares, and green zones owned by the state have increased. This has led to the destruction of mature trees, environmental pollution, and justified public outrage.
Additionally:
- The practice of transferring park lands to local authorities for subsequent alienation is gaining momentum.
- Park territories are shrinking due to repeated re-registration of cadastral documents.
- Legislative protection of such objects and their land plots remains underdeveloped, with no strict norms prohibiting privatization or construction.
The Problem with the Bill
At first glance, the initiative seems like an important step toward protecting green zones. However, several nuances raise doubts about the bill’s effectiveness:
- The Issue of Leasing: Parks may not be privatized, but they are often leased out to private companies on a long-term basis, which does not solve the problem.
- Commercialization: Private companies can continue to exploit parks for their interests, introduce entrance fees, and destroy natural environments under the guise of “improvement.”
What Does This Mean for Citizens?
- Parks are increasingly turning into commercial zones with paid access and attractions.
- Accessibility of green areas for all social groups is decreasing.
- Natural landscapes are being destroyed under the guise of “improvements,” replaced with cafes, parking lots, and retail kiosks.
What Needs to Be Done?
To avoid the substitution of concepts, it is necessary to:
- Set clear restrictions on leasing green zones to private companies.
- Monitor the use of parklands and prohibit commercial activities that undermine their recreational purpose.
- Ensure free access to green zones for citizens.
- Introduce public oversight of improvement projects.
Why Act Now?
Many parks have already lost their natural value due to ill-considered renovations. Without clear and strict norms, the new bill risks becoming a decorative measure, creating the illusion of change without solving the real problems.
Banning the privatization of parks is an important step, but it is not enough. Without addressing the issue of leasing and implementing strict controls over the use of green zones, lawmakers risk presenting a bill that will be an empty formality. Citizens, on the other hand, must closely monitor the situation and demand more decisive measures from legislators.
Are you ready to pay for access to “public” parks or accept the cutting of trees for yet another cafe? Share your opinion!
The article may contain inaccuracies as it is translated by AI. For more details, please refer to the Russian version of the article. If you notice any inaccuracies, you can send corrections via the Telegram bot: Uzvaibik_bot.
