According to an official statement from the National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change, Mirzo Botirov, a chief specialist of the Aydar-Arnasay Lakes System Supervision Department and an officer of the State Environmental Control Inspectorate (Eco-Police), died tragically during a raid on the Syr Darya River. The incident has once again drawn public attention to the dangers faced by environmental defenders.

Preliminary reports indicate that on September 9, at around 11:00 PM, the inspector attempted to stop individuals engaged in illegal fishing using an electric rod. The violators resisted, causing him to fall into the water. His body was found on September 10. This case highlights how aggressive and dangerous poachers can be.

The Committee announced that an investigation is underway to establish all details of the incident. Measures are also being taken to provide financial and other necessary assistance to the family of the deceased officer. Such incidents underscore the hazardous working conditions of inspectors and the need for additional safety measures.

Mirzo Botirov will be posthumously awarded the "Nature Defender" badge for his courage and dedication to duty. Condolences are extended to his family. This tragedy once again proves how complex and dangerous the daily work of environmental supervision officers is.

Source: www.gazeta.uz