Hefty fine fails to stop littering in Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah - Official figures show that the 'Raqib' or monitor patrols of the RAK Department of Public Works and Services spotted 927 environmental violations in the first quarter of this year.

Even the Dh500 fine for littering has failed to curtail environmental violations in Ras Al Khaimah, a top official has said.
According to the official residents continue littering, polluting the environment, and tarnishing the image of the emirate in spite of repetitive warnings.
Official figures show that the 'Raqib' or monitor patrols of the RAK Department of Public Works and Services spotted 927 environmental violations in the first quarter of this year.
Ahmed Hamad Al Shehi, Manager of Public Services Section with the department, said dumping wastes at public areas by contracting companies top the list of the violations recorded, followed by littering from car windows.
"However, the cutting of banned local trees, including Acacia, Ziziphus, and Prosopis trees, has seen a significant drop this year. Only 15 trees cut for night camping trips so far as compared to 500 local trees illegally cut last year."
The Raqib patrols have also issued 16 fines against campers on the Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed road, he added.
"Up to 40 tickets were issued against illegal fishing at the protected creeks of the emirate."
Al Shehi said a significant rise has been reported, however, in the violations registered at the Jais Mountain, the highest peak in the country.
"Up to 47 fines were issued therein in the first three months of the year in this regard," he added.
As many as 77 fines that were issued against beachgoers for dumping plastic bags and bottles in the sea, Al Sheihi said.
Last year, the Raqib patrols nabbed 5,008 people, including 4,265 drivers, for littering and being involved in anti-environment activities, and they were ordered to pay Dh500 each.
Eng Ahmed Al Hammadi, Director-General of the department said that more attention is being given to nine 'hot spots' where littering and most anti-environment were recorded.
"These included public roads, parks, beaches and tourist sights," he said, urging the public to report any environment violation to toll free 8008118.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com 

• UAE