Governmental Decree No. 501 validating the Regulation on the procedure for determining protection zones for hydropower facilities, special conditions for water use and the use of sections of the coastal strip (including areas adjoining hydropower facilities) within their boundaries.

This Governmental Decree sets the rules for determination of protection zones of hydropower facilities, special conditions of water use and use of sections of the coastline (including areas adjacent to hydropower facilities) within their boundaries. Protection zones are established in the water areas of waterbodies, including the upper and lower pools of hydroelectric facilities, hydropower facilities, located on sections of waterbodies, sections of the coastal strip (including the sites adjoining hydropower facilities), sections of floodplain to ensure safe and trouble-free operation and safe operation of hydropower facilities, including dams, buildings of hydroelectric power plants, spillways, outlets and outfall structures. The following activities (water uses) are subject to approval in protection zones: (a) use of the water area of waterbodies for recreational purposes; (b) creation of stationary and (or) floating platforms, artificial islands, and also artificial land plots; (c) exploration and extraction of minerals; (d) organized recreation of citizens; (e) construction of berths, ship-lifting and ship-repair facilities; (f) construction of waterworks, bridges, as well as underwater and underground passages, pipelines and underwater communication lines; (g) carrying out dredging, blasting, drilling, and other operations associated with changes in the bottom and banks of waterbodies; (h) navigation of small boats, jet skis and technical equipment, intended for recreation on waterbodies; (i) single takeoff and single landing of aircraft; (j) hunting, all types of fishing, with the exception of fishing for aquaculture (fishfarming); (k) bathing and satisfaction of other personal and domestic needs of citizens; (l) carrying out geological studies, as well as geophysical, geodetic, cartographic, topographic, hydrographic and diving operations; (m) sanitary and quarantine control; (n) scientific and educational activities; and (n) economic activities and activities related to the plots of coastal strip of waterbodies (including the areas adjacent to hydropower facilities) in the buffer zone.