"Your grass, but the sand belongs to the state!" Belarusians outraged by fines for "stealing" sand

Photo: str3.by

Belarusian officials reminded citizens: according to the law, all mineral resources in the country belong to the state. This means that without appropriate permission, the extraction of even common sand, gravel, or clay is strictly prohibited.

Violators face serious financial penalties. For individuals, the fine is up to 30 base units (currently 1350 rubles). Individual entrepreneurs can lose 4500 rubles, and legal entities — as much as 13,500 rubles. Moreover, if a large amount of sand is extracted, the case can escalate to a criminal one.

Social media users reacted to these reminders with a mix of irony and outrage. The question that gathered the most likes was:

"How much will a barrel of rainwater cost in the village?"

"Don't give them ideas," other commentators replied to the author.

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In second place in popularity was the question:

"What does the people own at all?"

The answer came quickly:

"Taxes."

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Many people tried to clarify the legal aspect of the matter: by what law did the subsoil suddenly become state property? They are reminded that this norm is enshrined in Article 13 of the country's Constitution.

"The grass 10 meters from the fence is yours, but the sand is state-owned)))", someone observes, hinting at fines for unmowed grass near private yards.

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Other readers note:

"Somehow it used to be that everything legally belonged to the people."

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The discussion also touched upon philosophical questions:

"And who is the state?" asks one participant. "Thieves," he is sharply answered in the comments.

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"The state is just a name, because without people, there is no state!!!", "The subsoil is state-owned, and the state is the people!" others add.

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Someone asks a logical question:

"Did the state produce this sand?"

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The general mood of the commentators indicates irritation with constant prohibitions:

"Too many fines have fallen on us, everywhere you step – there are fines," "This year has been declared the year of fines."

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People ask rhetorical questions:

"What else should we pay for?", "When will the air tax be?", "Can we still breathe?" and finally — "Where do we get sand then?"

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Some statements sound sharp: "What belongs to the people? Probably fines, taxes, increased prices for everything, meager salaries, pensions, and an increased retirement age. Thanks to the government and the state for at least that."

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People say: "Maybe it's time to change the system of public administration?"

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In another video, people discuss sand prices in different regions. As the comments show, prices vary significantly.

For example, in Borisov last summer, 20 tons of sand cost 200 rubles. This spring, in Lyuban, they offer to deliver the same volume for 280 rubles, in Brest — for 250, and in Vitebsk, the price soars to 560 rubles. In Maladzyechna and Homel, a truckload of sand already costs 700 rubles. Mogilev turned out to be the most expensive — there, delivery will cost from 800 to 1000 rubles.

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People also provide detailed price lists: the cost of screened sand is approximately 18 rubles per ton, and each kilometer of delivery costs an additional 7 rubles.

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