Kuwait To Impose Fines Up To 500KD For Littering And Water Balloon Misuse

Kuwait has taken a firm stand against environmental violations, particularly focusing on the actions of throwing water balloons and littering, by instituting fines that range from 50 to 500 Kuwaiti dinars. This move was announced ahead of the national holiday celebrations, underscoring the importance of adhering to the country’s environmental laws.

Eng. Samira Al Kandari, the Acting Director General of the Environment Public Authority, highlighted the critical need for both Kuwaiti citizens and expatriates to follow the guidelines outlined in Article 33 of the Environmental Protection Law. This law, Environmental Protection Law No. 42 of 2024 and its subsequent amendments, plays a key role in Kuwait's environmental conservation efforts by aiming to reduce environmental infractions during festive occasions.

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To enforce these regulations effectively, Kuwait will deploy joint inspection teams comprising members from the Environment Public Authority and the Ministry of Interior. These teams will oversee the implementation of environmental policies at various celebration sites, focusing on preventing littering and the use of materials that are harmful to the environment, such as indiscriminately disposed balloons.

Moreover, Eng. Al Kandari mentioned the ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Interior’s Environmental Police to ensure the effectiveness of environmental supervision. This collaborative effort will see environmental officers actively engaging with the public during the holiday period. Their role will extend beyond enforcement; they will also educate individuals on the significance of preserving environmental cleanliness.

Supporting these efforts is a decision made by the Ministry of Commerce which involves restricting the use of environmentally detrimental materials. This includes the prohibition of foam, certain chemicals, and plastic and rubber waste, with a particular emphasis on balloons during the holiday festivities. This measure is part of Kuwait's broader strategy to mitigate environmental damage and encourage sustainable practises among its population.

This initiative underscores Kuwait's commitment to environmental protection and highlights the government's proactive approach to fostering a cleaner, more sustainable environment. With the imposition of fines and the deployment of inspection teams, Kuwait aims to ensure that its national celebrations do not come at the expense of the environment.