The Ministry of the Interior and Safety will begin administrative execution this month, including business suspensions, for facilities along rivers and valleys that did not take part in voluntary reporting and removal of illegal structures.
On the 2nd, Kim Gwang-yong, head of the Disaster Safety Management Office at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS), visited Mulhan Valley in Yeongdong County, North Chungcheong, to inspect the status of clearing illegal facilities along rivers and valleys.
The inspection was arranged to directly confirm on site whether the clearing of illegal facilities is being carried out without setbacks. Earlier, the government operated a period for voluntary reporting and removal of illegal facilities from May 20 to June 30. Those who voluntarily removed illegal facilities during this period received benefits such as exemption from indemnity charges and immunity from criminal liability.
By contrast, starting this month, facilities that did not take part during the voluntary reporting and removal period are subject to administrative execution. Illegal commercial facilities will also face additional measures such as business suspension in accordance with relevant laws. As of June 19, a total of 80,898 illegal facilities along rivers and valleys had been identified, of which 3,193 were commercial facilities that took private profit by using public resources without authorization.
That day, after receiving a briefing from Yeongdong County officials on the progress of clearing illegal commercial facilities around Mulhan Valley, Deputy Minister Kim inspected sites where restoration to original condition is underway.
Deputy Minister Kim said, "We must take stern measures in line with the principles and standards of clearing, while minimizing inconvenience to the public," adding, "We will do our utmost to clear illegal facilities so that everyone can enjoy a safe and clean environment."