Specifics of activities of state bodies of the Russian Empire in the XIX – early XX century for the protection of water objects

In the context of increasing environmental threats, the formation of an effective system of supervision and control over compliance with environmental legislation is of strategic importance to the state. This task is particularly relevant in the field of management and protection of water resources, the quality and safety of which directly affect the health of the nation, economic stability and environmental security of the country. The purpose of study is to conduct a historical and legal analysis of the activities of the state bodies of the Russian Empire for the protection of water objects in the XIX – early XX century to identify positive historical experience applicable in improving the work of modern law enforcement and law enforcement agencies. The article uses an extensive list of sources, including archival materials, some of which are being introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. Research uses a set of methodological approaches (modernization, civilizational, dialectical-materialistic, challenge theory), as well as general scientific and special legal methods (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, modeling, comparative law, formal law). Scientific novelty of research consists in a comprehensive study of activities of government agencies and institutions of Russian Empire that protected water resources during period under review. Positive and negative aspects of their activities aimed at maintaining environmental law and order during the period under review are identified. In addition, an assessment is given of their activities to prevent and combat pollution of country's water resources in 19th and early 20th centuries. Conducted historical and legal analysis allowed author to substantiate a promising direction for reforming system of state environmental authorities. Key conclusion of study is that the revival of Russian tradition of creating specialized authorized structures in Russian government system can become an effective tool for improving state of country's water resources and their protection.