Most of the violations were spotted at tourist and natural sites, beaches, and parks.
More than 13,000 people were fined Dh500 each for littering and other environmental violations in Ras Al Khaimah last year, authorities have said.
Out of 13,280 violators, 7,401 were booked for littering. Some 2,298 of the litterbugs were fined for throwing trash out of their car windows, according to Abdullah Hamad Al Shehi, manager of the control unit at the emirate’s department of public works.
“This is actually a significant surge in the number of environmental violations, as compared to 9,464 breaches reported in 2018,” Al Shehi said.
Most of the violations were spotted at tourist and natural sites, beaches, and parks, he explained.
“A growing number of visitors and tourists flock to the emirate, but some just turn a blind eye on the garbage they leave behind,” he added.
Records showed 1,977 people were even caught burying barbeque coal in the sand.
“These practices cannot be tolerated because of their negative impact on the environment,” the official said.
Construction waste, off-loading sewage waste in undesignated areas, and sewage leak at worker accomodations, outlets, and companies were also part of the violations.
Raising awareness
Ramping up its operations to curb such irresponsible practices and keep Ras Al Khaimah clean and green, the public works department deploys 48 patrols across the emirate every day.
“Thousands of brochures have also been distributed to develop public awareness,” Al Shehi said.
“A toll-free hotline (8008118) has been dedicated for reports of any environmental violation.”
