The Ministry of Environment and Water (MEW) ordered the local authorities to take preventive measures to clean up waste-contaminated areas, including riverbeds and ravines. In connection with the onset of the spring season and the expected snowmelt, which may lead to an increase in river levels and the creation of prerequisites for floods, the regional environmental and water inspectorates sent letters to the mayors of all municipalities and to the managers of the regional road departments. This was announced by the press center of the Ministry of Environment, quoted by BTA.
Instructions have been given to organize and carry out inspections for the presence of waste-contaminated areas and for their timely cleaning. The priority in the inspections should be the visits to problem areas, the Ministry of Environment and Water added. If pollution is detected, it is necessary to organize their immediate cleaning, as well as to take effective measures to prevent re-contamination. Video surveillance and limiting access to risk areas and providing security are some of the possible measures that the Ministry of Environment and Water recommends. Regional inspectorates will carry out subsequent control, and if violations are detected, the relevant administrative actions will be taken in accordance with the current legislation, the Ministry of Environment and Water said.
The initiative follows the clear management position of zero tolerance for waste pollution, the ministry added. Despite the measures taken so far and the efforts made, the results remain unsatisfactory and require more active actions from all responsible institutions, the Ministry of Environment and Water said. The goal is to achieve real results for the benefit of citizens and environmental protection, as well as to promote greater public responsibility for the cleanliness of settlements and nature, the ministry said.
Mayors must be more active regarding the problem of unregulated waste, said Acting Minister of Environment and Water Yulian Popov during parliamentary control.