MPs Approve Tougher Farm Drain Penalties
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
Parliament unanimously approved a government bill on Thursday introducing tougher penalties for violations involving agricultural drains, including fines of up to BD10,000 and possible jail terms.
The amendments, linked to Decree No. 14 of 2026, revise parts of the 1985 agricultural drains law to address offences such as blocking drains, diverting water flow, building over drains, or ignoring drainage instructions.
Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Wael Mubarak said the changes would support agricultural sustainability, environmental protection, and public health.
Under the proposed amendments, offenders could face at least three months in prison and fines ranging from BD1,000 to BD10,000, replacing the current maximum BD500 penalty. Repeat offenders would face doubled punishments if violations are repeated within one year.
The bill also grants authorities the power to order offenders to remove violations, repair damages at their own expense, and comply within a period not exceeding one month.
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