Pocheon City Named Second-Best Institution Nationwide for Managing Illegal Occupation Facilities in River and Valley Areas

Pocheon City in Gyeonggi Province was selected as the second-best institution nationwide in the "Evaluation of Measures Against Illegal Occupation Facilities in River and Valley Areas" conducted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on November 28.

Pocheon City Hall exterior. Provided by Pocheon City

This evaluation targeted 121 local governments across the country (excluding those that do not manage local rivers and administrative cities). Metropolitan cities and provinces first conducted a preliminary evaluation of their local governments, selecting the top 20% as outstanding local governments. The central government then evaluated these candidates to determine the final rankings. As a result, one institution was selected as the best nationwide, two as excellent, and twelve as commendable. Pocheon City was named an excellent institution and will receive a government award (or ministerial commendation) as well as a special national-local cooperation grant of 100 million won.

Pocheon City has continuously worked to prevent illegal occupation and improve facilities in local river and valley areas. In particular, during the summer vacation season, the city conducted intensive inspections centered on Baegun Valley in cooperation with Gyeonggi Province. It also operated a regular monitoring system on holidays, strengthened guidance and enforcement against unauthorized occupation and illegal activities, and enhanced on-site maintenance, achieving improvements in the river environment.

Baek Younghyeon, Mayor of Pocheon, stated, "I deeply appreciate the hard work of the Construction and River Division and the staff in towns and villages who have devoted themselves to managing illegal occupation and river management. We will continue our efforts to eradicate illegal occupation and improve the river environment so that citizens can use the rivers more safely and comfortably."