Activists demand to stop construction in Verkhniy Gunib

In their appeal, activists claim that capital structures are being erected in violation of laws and regulations on the territory of a specially protected natural park in Verkhniy Gunib.

On May 28, appeals demanding to check the activities of the “Shamil’s Fortress” Commercial Company were released by Aminat Abdurakhmanova, the head of the “Phoenix Bird”, a Dagestani public organization for the protection of cultural and natural heritage monuments, and Islam Klichkhanov, the chairman of the Public Council under the Forestry Committee of the Republic of Dagestan.

Aminat Abdurakhmanova has addressed her appeal to the head of the cultural and historical foundation named after Imam Shamil, calling for “saving the last stronghold of Imam Shamil.” “We ask for the preservation of the unique natural, cultural, historical monument. It is the heritage of the country, which, due to bureaucratic lawlessness, is being turned into a concrete jungle,” Aminat Abdurakhmanova claimed in her appeal as quoted by the “Chernovik” (Rough Draft) Dagestani weekly newspaper.

Islam Klichkhanov, in turn, contacted the environmental prosecutor’s office on May 28. His complaint, like the appeal by Aminat Abdurakhmanova, states that construction is underway in the specially protected natural area in Verkhniy Gunib and that the construction “does not comply with the standards provided for by law.”

“The large-scale construction works are underway to erect a multi-storey building, a helipad, and other structures using reinforced concrete. These structures are not temporary houses and buildings,” states the claim, which Islam Klichkhanov posted on his Telegram channel.

Aminat Abdurakhmanova has posted on her page in Instagram* a video of what has already been erected on the forest plot in Verkhniy Gunib. The video recording shows a group of buildings, including an unfinished five-storey building.

This was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on May 29, 2025 at 05:47 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here. 

*On March 21, 2022, the Tverskoi Court of Moscow banned the activities in Russia of the Meta Company, owning the Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, in connection with extremist activities.