Egyptian Minister of Local Development and Environment, Dr. Manal Awad, has reviewed a report on the efforts of governorates in the first phase of the 30th wave to remove encroachments, which took place from August 29 to September 18, 2026. The report was presented by Dr. Saeed Helmy Abdel Khalek, Head of the Planning and Integrated Local Development Sector. The review is part of the government's efforts to implement the directives of the political leadership to preserve state lands and agricultural areas.
According to the report, a total of 9,415 cases of encroachments were removed during the first phase, including encroachments on state lands, agricultural lands, and building violations. The cases included 4,648 removals on state-owned lands, with 3,686 cases of construction on approximately 3.3 million square meters of land. Additionally, 962 cases of encroachments on agricultural lands, covering around 7.1 thousand feddans, were removed.
The report also stated that 1,430 cases were targeted for regularization through applications in accordance with Law No. 168 of 2025. Furthermore, 3,111 cases of illegal spatial changes were removed, including 2,477 cases of illegal construction within urban areas, covering approximately 281.3 thousand square meters, and 634 cases outside urban areas, covering around 42 feddans.
Dr. Manal Awad emphasized that her ministry will continue to coordinate with governorates, state agencies, and concerned authorities to remove encroachments and take necessary legal actions against violations. She stressed that preserving state lands and agricultural areas is a top priority for the ministry, as it represents protection of state resources and future generations' rights.
The minister highlighted that protecting these lands contributes to regulating urban development, preserving agricultural lands, and supporting sustainable development efforts, which directly impact the level of services, urban environment, and quality of life for citizens across governorates. Dr. Saeed Helmy Abdel Khalek noted that 4,533 cases of encroachments and violations were removed outside the targeted cases during the same period.
The first phase of the 30th wave was monitored daily through the National Platform for Removals, prepared in coordination with the Military Survey Department, and the Control Center of the National Network for Emergencies and Public Safety at the Ministry of Local Development and Environment. This allowed for real-time monitoring of removal works in governorates.
Dr. Saeed Helmy Abdel Khalek confirmed that coordination between the ministry, governorates, state agencies, and concerned authorities will continue, with ongoing monitoring and swift action against new encroachments and violations. This aims to prevent continuation of any encroachments on state lands, agricultural areas, or new construction violations.
Key points
- The Egyptian government has removed 9,415 cases of encroachments during the first phase of the 30th wave.
- The efforts aim to preserve state lands and agricultural areas, and regulate urban development.
- The government will continue to monitor and take action against new encroachments and violations.
