Rustam Minnikhanov: “To improve ecological situation we should change public attitude to this issue”

At a final session of the Tatarstan Ministry of ecology and natural resources President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said that development of citizens’ careful attitude to environment since childhood guarantees ecological wellbeing. Russian Minister of ecology and natural resources Sergey Donskoy, Chief of Federal agency for water resources Marina Seliverstova participated in the event.

Tatarstan Minister of ecology and natural resources Artem Sidorov made report on results of the ministry’s work in 2012. He reminded that 2013 had been announced the Year of environmental protection in Russian and the Year of ecological culture and environmental protection in Tatarstan.

During 2012 inspectors of territorial departments, state inspectorate of ecological supervision carried out 6960 inspections of 2746 enterprises, organisations and natural sites. 5862 violations were revealed of which 4736 have been eliminated.

Artem Sidorov told about measures taken on reducing emission of harmful substances by enterprises.

The Minister emphasized achievements of Tatarstan companies in the sphere of environmental protection. Thus, OJSC “Tatneft” was the first company in Russia to provide 95 per cent level of associated gas recovery. OAO “TAIF-NK” started construction of the complex of advanced processing of heavy charge. Harmful emissions are mainly produced by motor transport, Artem Sidorov said.

Pollution of water objects remains to be an urgent problem. Unauthorized landfills make more than 59 per cent of violations revealed by the Ministry of ecology and natural resources.

Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin reported on measures taken on ensuring ecological safety on the threshold of Universiade 2013. He focused on unsatisfactory treatment of waste waters. New system of snow treatment was introduced to deal with this problem.

The issue of dewatered sludge deposits at treatment facilities is also urgent for Kazan.

Ilsur Metshin addressed Russian Minister of ecology and natural resources Sergey Donskoy with request for federal support in recultivation of Samosyrovo landfill of solid domestic wastes.

Chief of Federal agency for water resources Marina Seliverstova highly estimated activity of Tatarstan authorities in the sphere of environmental protection. She thanked republican government for responsible position in utilization of water storage basins and water resources.

Russian Minister of ecology and natural resources Sergey Donskoy said that efficient cooperation is possible only when all government authorities participate in the process.

President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov thanked all attendees of the session for participation.