Strict Enforcement with Application of Joint Penal Provisions
Yeonggwang County in South Jeolla Province will conduct a preemptive inspection and guidance and enforcement of illegal development activities until June 30, aiming to prevent damage such as soil runoff and flooding caused by heavy rains during the monsoon season, and to proactively respond to the recent increase in illegal development activities.
This enforcement action, in accordance with relevant laws, will focus on inspecting illegal activities carried out without permits, including ▲changes to land features such as cutting and filling ▲unauthorized extraction of soil and rocks ▲installation of structures such as solar panels.
The county will conduct on-site inspections in areas where illegal development activities are concentrated. If violations are identified, the county plans to take strong administrative measures, including ▲ordering the suspension of construction and restoration to the original state ▲filing complaints with judicial authorities.
In particular, this inspection will expand the application of the joint penal provisions under Article 143 of the National Land Planning Act. This means that not only the direct perpetrators but also representatives, agents, employees of the relevant corporation, and equipment operators such as excavator and dump truck drivers will be subject to the same penalties. This is a strong measure aimed at eradicating repeated and organized illegal activities. Equipment operators must check whether development permits have been obtained before commencing any work.
For illegal development activities, offenders may face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won under Article 140 of the same law. If orders to restore the original state or suspend construction are violated, offenders may face imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won under Article 142 of the same law.
A county official stated, "Illegal development activities are not just legal violations; they can also be a cause of disasters," and added, "Through this inspection, we aim to prevent illegal activities in advance and foster strong awareness by applying the joint penal provisions."
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