Operation "Yel" will start in Tatarstan on December 15.

      The Ministry of Forestry of the Republic of Tatarstan reports the launch of the annual pre-New Year operation "Yel" aimed at preserving coniferous stands.

      Beginning on December 15, the traditional conservation operation "Yel" will start across Tatarstan and will run until the end of the month. The main goal of the event is to prevent illegal felling of coniferous trees in the run-up to the New Year. As the republic’s Minister of Forestry, Ravil Kuzyurov, said, strengthened patrols of forest areas by inspectors will be organized during this time. The minister emphasized that illegal felling or damage to forest stands carries serious consequences. Individuals who commit such an offense face an administrative fine of 3,000 to 4,000 rubles. Officials face fines of 20,000 to 40,000 rubles, and legal entities — 200,000 to 300,000 rubles. In addition to the fine, the offender will be required to fully compensate for the damage caused to nature.

      Ravil Kuzyurov also noted that if the amount of damage exceeds 5,000 rubles, criminal liability may be applied to the offender under the relevant article of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. Operation "Yel" is carried out annually to preserve the forest fund and to remind citizens of the need to treat the republic’s natural wealth with care in the run-up to the New Year holidays.

      Diana Salikhzanova