Illegal land grabbing, construction remain major challenge, Tbilisi Mayor

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze said that the illegal occupation of state-owned land and unauthorized construction activities aimed at claiming public territories remain a significant challenge for the capital, urging residents not to participate in such schemes.

Speaking at the meeting of the Tbilisi Municipal Government, Kaladze emphasized that combating unlawful construction and preventing chaotic urban development were among the city’s top priorities.

“The illegal appropriation of state-owned land and construction on such territories for the purpose of claiming ownership remains a major challenge,” Kaladze said, adding that these activities are frequently carried out in recreational and forest zones, causing damage to green areas. According to him, the schemes have a “systemic and organized nature” and are unrelated to social hardship.

He stressed that references to social needs were often used manipulatively, while investigations regularly revealed that organized groups were behind the violations.

“We once again call on everyone to obey the law and refrain from participating in illegal activities. Our municipal inspection will act strictly in accordance with the law,” he said.

Kaladze noted that, since the beginning of 2025, the Municipal Inspection had identified 1,305 construction-related violations. In cooperation with law enforcement agencies, over 70 special operations had been carried out, resulting in the demolition of more than 300 illegal structures and the reclamation of dozens of hectares of state and municipal land, including recreational and forest areas.

The mayor said that enforcement measures would continue intensively, ensuring that no instance of illegal land seizure or unauthorized construction went unanswered.

Kaladze expressed gratitude to the Municipal Inspection leadership and staff, as well as law enforcement authorities, for their work and cooperation.