Doha, May 12 (QNA) - Qatar's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has said it carried out over 1,700 field inspections during the first quarter of 2026 as part of a wider effort to strengthen environmental monitoring and enforcement across the country.
According to figures released by the ministry, its environmental sector conducted 1,713 inspection visits between January and March. These included 509 environmental monitoring and inspection visits, 100 radiation protection inspections, 840 visits related to chemicals and hazardous waste, and 264 inspections concerning environmental assessment and permits.
The ministry said the operations resulted in 83 reported violations and the issuance of 350 warnings.
Officials described the figures as evidence of intensified regulatory and technical activity aimed at improving environmental governance and sustainability standards in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
The report also highlighted a broad range of administrative and technical work undertaken during the period. A total of 603 meetings were held, alongside 18 public awareness events focused on environmental issues.
Meanwhile, authorities issued 3,376 permits and licenses during the quarter. Of those, 2,352 were linked to chemicals and hazardous waste management, while 563 related to radiation protection activities. Environmental monitoring and inspection accounted for 92 permits, with a further 369 issued through environmental assessment and permitting services.
The ministry added that it completed 4,295 customs inspections and cleared 4,210 customs declarations during the reporting period. In addition, officials reviewed 933 environmental and technical studies and reports.
Laboratory and monitoring work also formed a significant part of the ministry's activities. Authorities analyzed 2,828 samples, including seawater, wastewater discharge, sediment and emergency water samples.
The ministry said this included 490 seawater samples, 570 samples under Qatar's marine environmental monitoring program, and 875 samples linked to water discharge outlets. A further 259 emergency samples involving water and sediment were also tested.
Radiation-related analysis included 21 concentration measurements and 416 radiological readings, while specialists also examined 197 samples of recycled base oils and cosmetic creams.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change said the measures reflect its continued commitment to enhancing environmental oversight, improving monitoring systems and supporting sustainable development objectives across Qatar. (QNA)