The chairman of the nationwide movement “Yuksalish” Akmal Burkhanov expressed his opinion on demolitions. The organization intends to study public opinion on this issue. 

“I believe that modernization works in cities, implementation of programs for the improvement of mahallas and villages are signs of positive processes.

However, chaotic actions of individual representatives of local authorities responsible for the integrated development of the regions, in particular, illegal seizure of land and demolition of structures, sometimes without prior notification of citizens, without paying decent compensation, in short, without obtaining full consent from citizens, cannot be approved,” he said.

“Yuksalish” noted that a number of conflicting and high-profile cases, especially two cases in the Yakkabag district, as well as cases of open confrontation of citizens and representatives of local authorities in the Rishtan, Yangiyul districts and in the city of Urgench are of serious concern.

In addition, there are a number of mistakes that are regularly made by individual state authorities at places. In particular:

- demolition of buildings constructed by the decision of the former khokim, based on the decision of the new head of the city (district) administration;

- demolition of objects without prior notice in legal order, limited to verbal notification or without it at all;

- demolition of objects of historical value;

- forced eviction of citizens without the provision of monetary compensation for an apartment or housing of equal value;

- rude and disrespectful attitude of officials towards property owners, threats of forced eviction and lack of elementary communication ethics among government officials.

Based on this, “Yuksalish” develops recommendations for the prevention of such cases. The followings are among them:

- working out strategic plans for the development of territories, approval of master plans for settlements;

- ensuring the openness and transparency of land acquisition processes in accordance with the requirements of current legislation;

- organization of preliminary public discussion of draft landscaping programs, including on websites;

- ensuring effective parliamentary, deputy and public control over the implementation of legislation in this area, including compliance with the requirements for seizure of land plots for state and public needs, rights and legitimate human interests, and payment of compensation;

- ensuring effective public control over the accuracy and timeliness of execution of programs for the improvement and modernization of the appearance of cities and regions;

- introduction of a moratorium on the demolition of objects of historical value;

- introduction of the procedure according to which the effectiveness of the activities of local authorities is assessed based on the level of trust and satisfaction of the population.

To this end, the nationwide movement “Yuksalish” plans to hold discussions with the participation of all stakeholders, citizens, representatives of local authorities, developers, deputies, public organizations and councils, as well as international organizations.

“We urge you to send your suggestions on this issue to info@yumh.uz or leave a comment through the telegram-channel @uzbyuksalish,” Akmal Burkhanov concluded.