Residents of Transbaikalia faced catastrophic river pollution due to activities gold mining companies. The water has become cloudy, fish are disappearing, and the quality of drinking water sources has deteriorated sharply. Environmentalists and local residents are demanding urgent action.
According to monitoring data, alluvial gold mining causes irreparable harm to the rivers of Transbaikalia. The use of powerful machinery and water cannons releases clay, sand and chemicals into the water. This blocks light, destroys spawning grounds and kills fish.
In June 2025, in the village of Davenda (Mogochinsky district), the Zheltuga River changed color to muddy yellow due to waste dumping. A similar situation is in the village of Amazar, where the Bolshaya Chichatka River remains the only source of drinking water.
The Center for Satellite Monitoring and Civil Control (CSMCiGK) recorded large-scale pollution:
- The Bolshaya Mogocha and Amazar rivers are polluted at 80-87 km.
- Simucha-Alengui-Unda – more than 170 km.
- Balja – harmful emissions reach Mongolia.
- Foci of pollution in the Tungir-Olekma region (rivers Verkhnyaya Mokla, Black Uryum, etc.).
Environmentalists insist:
- 24-hour satellite monitoring of gold mining.
- A sharp increase in fines for violators.
- Confiscation of equipment and criminal liability for company managers.
- Suspension of operations of enterprises that violate environmental laws.
Inaction by the authorities can lead to an environmental disaster. Residents of Transbaikalia hope that their your voice will be heard, and the rivers of the region will be saved.
The material was prepared with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as part of the Decade of Science and Technology
Source: @nedradvnews
Photo: zab.ru
