Environmental violation by a person in Medina for dumping concrete | Environmental Security

The Special Forces for Environmental Security in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced that they were able to arrest a resident of Pakistani nationality in the Madinah region, for committing a clear violation of the environmental system, which was represented in polluting the environment and damaging the soil by dumping concrete materials in places not designated for them.

The forces confirmed that the violator was stopped and the initial regulatory procedures against him were completed, in preparation for referring him to the competent authorities to apply the penalties prescribed by law, stressing that there will be no leniency with any practices that pose a threat to environmental sustainability or distort the urban and natural landscape.

Strict penalties to protect vegetation and soil

In the context of raising awareness and issuing warnings, the Special Forces for Environmental Security clarified that regulations in the Kingdom are very strict regarding the protection of soil and vegetation. They pointed out that engaging in any activity or action that directly or indirectly harms the soil, pollutes it, negatively impacts its usability, or damages its natural properties constitutes a serious environmental crime.

The forces revealed that the financial penalties for such violations may reach a maximum of (10) million Saudi Riyals, which reflects the seriousness of the Saudi legislator in preserving natural resources and deterring violators, whether they are individuals or institutions.

National context: Vision 2030 and environmental protection

These intensive field efforts by the Special Forces for Environmental Security are in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative, which places environmental protection and sustainability at the forefront of national priorities. Through these stringent regulations, the Kingdom seeks to reduce pollution in all its forms, protect natural resources for future generations, and enhance the quality of life by maintaining a healthy and clean environment.

Dumping construction and concrete waste in open areas is one of the most dangerous practices that leads to desertification of the soil and loss of its fertility, in addition to the visual pollution it causes in wilderness and residential areas.

Methods of reporting environmental violations

The Special Forces for Environmental Security called on all citizens and residents to cooperate with security authorities and promptly report any incidents of environmental or wildlife abuse. They clarified that communication channels are available around the clock to ensure a rapid response, via the following numbers:

• (911): In the regions of Mecca, Medina, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province.
• (999) and (996): in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The relevant authorities confirmed that all reports are handled with complete confidentiality, without any legal responsibility being imposed on the reporter, in order to encourage community participation in protecting the homeland and its environmental resources.