The State Duma has approved in its third reading a bill targeting the control of Sosnovsky's hogweed and other harmful invasive plant species, as reported by Interfax.
Under the legislation, landowners and organizations utilizing plots for infrastructure like pipelines, power lines, and roads must take measures to eradicate hogweed. Non-compliance will be treated as unlawful land use, potentially resulting in penalties or forced land confiscation.
The amendments extend beyond the Land Code, affecting five additional laws, such as the Forest Code, agricultural land regulations, and statutes governing protected natural zones.
Lawmakers highlighted in the explanatory memorandum that Sosnovsky's hogweed poses significant health risks and threatens biodiversity, making its control a public responsibility.
The new regulations are set to take effect on March 1, 2026.