The Parliamentary Environment Committee held a session today, Wednesday, chaired by MP Ghiyath Yezbek, and attended by the Minister of Industry in the caretaker government, George Bouchikian, Minister of Environment Nasser Yassin, and member deputies. The committee issued a statement addressing the validity of claims regarding the use of explosives in quarries and crushers, the resumption of cement factory operations, the issue of granting temporary licenses for quarries and crushers, the body responsible for issuing licenses, and the absence of on-the-ground oversight which leads to further harm to the environment and surrounding communities.
The ministers confirmed that the quarries are closed, and thus, no blasting operations are currently taking place in the area of the factories. However, outside this specific area, there has been a significant degree of lawlessness across Lebanon due to the existence of over 1230 quarries and crushers, most of which are illegal and operate without specific regulations and standards.
The statement further noted: "Addressing this lawlessness requires the state, through its various institutions, to regain control and amend existing laws to activate on-ground operations. The attendees emphasized the necessity of formulating a strategic vision capable of simultaneously protecting the environment, public health, and national industry."
