The results of the conducted inspections indicate the existence of a number of unresolved issues in the field of protection of architectural monuments, urban planning, history, and archaeology

Given the importance of preserving the historical and cultural heritage of our state for future generations, prosecutors pay attention to these issues annually. The current year is no exception.

The results of inspections conducted in most regions of the oblast indicate the existence of a number of unresolved problems in the sphere of protection of architectural monuments, urban planning, history, and archaeology. Some of them are in a neglected, unsatisfactory technical and sanitary condition, require repair work or conservation measures. Due to the emergency state of individual structures, being near such objects is not always safe (Polotsk, Orsha, Sharkovshchina and other districts). Moreover, fulfilling elementary requirements for tidying up (cleaning, mowing vegetation, etc.) on the territory of historical and cultural values, which is necessary in a number of cases, does not require significant financial costs, as is usually indicated by their owners.

Not all owners and holders of historical and cultural values have signed the relevant protection agreements (Vitebsk, Braslav, Glubokoe, Orsha districts).

There are cases of non-compliance with the requirements of current legislation and protection agreements, including the issuance of passports and the installation of protection signs on historical and cultural heritage sites (Shumilino, Tolochin, Orsha, Polotsk and other districts). For most historical and cultural heritage sites, project documentation for protection zones with their maintenance and use regulations has not been developed, which does not allow, if necessary, to establish restrictions during construction and other works (Vitebsk, Dubrovno, Rossono, Tolochin and other regions).

The current situation in the field of historical and cultural heritage protection is a consequence not only of objective reasons, including insufficient funding, but also of the lack of proper control and demands from executive committees towards owners and holders of historical and cultural values, aimed at ensuring the preservation of historical and cultural values.

Given the prevalence of violations, authorized officials practically do not exercise their powers to initiate administrative proceedings for non-compliance with the requirements of protection obligations and other shortcomings in the field of historical and cultural heritage protection.

In order to eliminate the identified violations, prosecutors have issued 19 acts of prosecutorial supervision, and the regional prosecutor's office has prepared a corresponding representation to the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.

Senior Assistant Prosecutor of the Region
for Supervision of Environmental Legislation Enforcement
Justice Counselor Elena Kozlova