The traditional ritual – “Chiakokonoba” is held on the previous Wednesday of the glorious holiday of Easter. During the ritual, the population uses different types of municipal waste to light the fire.
When burning this waste, toxic, carcinogenic substances and waste that are dangerous to the environment and human health will be released. The health of the population, in particular, of children, who actively participate in traditional rituals, is at risk.
The Environmental Supervision Department of Georgia shared the glimpses of the event on its official Facebook Page. The Department also shared a small note about the event along with its glimpses.
As a result of years of stricter control, environmental protection and agriculture information campaigns, especially in large cities, the number of violations on the night of “thunder” decreases. Nevertheless, in some regions this tradition continues to this day.
Accordingly, the Environmental Supervision Department warns the public that, in accordance with the Waste Management Code, any type of waste (including tires, plastic materials, and leaves) in the open is prohibited.
According to the Waste Management Code, open burning of municipal non-hazardous waste – leaves, garden/park waste, household waste will result in a fine of 500 GEL, and in case of open burning of tires, rubber, and other elastomer materials, the offender will have to pay a fine of 1,500 GEL.
The Department of Environmental Supervision will tighten the control on the “Night of Chiakokonoba” and will react accordingly to each violation of the law.
Crews of the Environmental Oversight Department carry out 24-hour non-stop patrolling throughout the country to prevent, detect, and address environmental violations promptly. In addition, an immediate response is made to each message received on the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture’s hotline (153).
