Beirut: Agriculture Minister, Nizar Hani, on Wednesday formally requested Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar to instruct municipalities to refrain from spraying herbicides along roadsides, citing growing environmental and health risks.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, in an official letter, Hani warned that such chemicals pose a direct threat to bee populations, causing widespread death or weakening colonies, which in turn undermines natural pollination-an essential pillar of sustainable agricultural production and food security.

He also highlighted the dangers of chemical seepage into soil and groundwater, leading to water contamination and posing serious risks to public health.

The minister called for immediate action to curb these practices, urging adherence to environmental guidelines and the adoption of safer, eco-friendly alternatives for weed control. He stressed that the move forms part of broader national efforts to protect the agricultural sector and promote environmental sustainability, calling for coordinated action among relevant authorities to safeguard natural resources and public health.