Environmental activists anticipate backing from Il Darkhan and MPs in their campaign focused on preserving Merzlota's rivers, forests, and addressing radiation issues.

In the vast expanse of Yakutia, a region known for its rich natural resources, a series of contentious issues have arisen concerning the extraction of rare earth metals (REMs) and the impact on the environment.

The development of the Tomtor REM deposit, which contains radioactive elements like uranium, thorium, and thallium, has become a matter of state importance. Proposals regarding the safety concerns associated with this project have been sent to Yakutia's Head, members of the Federation Council, State Duma deputies, and other officials. However, during public hearings in 2017, residents did not receive convincing answers about the safety of transporting radioactive ore from the Tomtor deposit.

Environmental activists in Yakutia have proposed a ban on industrial logging, preserving permafrost, and keeping rivers clean. They argue that the river was practically completely polluted due to gold mining companies' activities, causing dissatisfaction among residents and a direct threat of groundwater contamination.

The issue of ensuring safety during the transportation of radioactive ore across Yakutia's territory has once again become relevant due to the potential start of REMs extraction. Dr. Alexander Fedorov, a permafrost researcher, suggests that reforestation efforts are ineffective and changes in forest legislation are needed to regulate where and how trees can be felled.

Meanwhile, the water resources of Yakutia may be in high demand on the international market, similar to gold and diamonds. Protecting and preserving water resources has become an integral part of both federal and international environmental agendas. UN experts believe that clean natural water sources will become as valuable as sought-after mineral resources in the future.

However, blatant violations of environmental legislation by private mining organizations have been encountered by environmental activists. Licenses for gold exploration and mining in the Timpton River and its tributaries were issued without public hearings or local resident consent. There are no relevant search results indicating which company or organization has obtained these licenses.

The roundtable discussing these issues did not have attendance from ALROSA, Il Darhan, or the Minister of Ecology. The attendees of the roundtable stated that even without the participation of logging companies, forests are actively felled in the republic for stove heating and private housing construction.

Environmentalists have proposed granting territories located in the deltas of the Amga and Timpton rivers the status of federally protected areas. This move would help ensure the preservation of these vital water sources and the flora and fauna that depend on them.

In light of these challenges, it is clear that finding a balance between resource extraction and environmental protection is crucial for the future of Yakutia and its people.