The number of environmental violations on Lake Baikal has increased by 3,5 times. 

MEP published A report on the state of Lake Baikal based on 2024 data. This year, Rosprirodnadzor identified 800 administrative environmental violations. In 2023, there were only 231. 

Environmental violations in the Baikal region are most common in industrial operations, urban development, and waste management. There have been cases of concealment or distortion of environmental information. 

The report also noted that Lake Baikal's hydrochemical parameters "maintain stability" in terms of suspended solids, metals, and other compounds. However, in some areas, such as the wastewater discharge area near Baikalsk, sulfur compound pollution has increased 2,5 times compared to 2023 levels. Overall, various wastewater discharges into Lake Baikal increased by 10,4%—1276,32 million cubic meters. 

491,4 tons of pollutants were emitted into the atmosphere, a 5,3% increase from the previous year. Forests around the lake shrank by 9292,7 hectares, primarily due to fires. In 2023, more burned: 16408,5 hectares. 

In 2024, 1892 Baikal seals were harvested, or approximately 2200 if illegal harvesting is included. A total of 163,2 seals were counted—9,4 more than the previous year. 

Last year, a law was passed on clear-cutting in Lake Baikal. Environmentalists believe that this will lead to a multitude of violations. 

Photo: NeMoscow.