The Responsible Institutions did not Show up for a Verification of the Legality of the Construction Works in RilaNational Park
On August 22nd, 2008 was implemented an action for verification of the legality of the construction works in the region of Panchishte and along the border of Rila National Park. Despite the numerous protests and signals sent by the environmentalists the construction works continue since August last year. The action was organized by representatives of the civil group “Citizens for Rila”, Coalition “Let Nature Remain in Bulgaria and France –Rila Association for Protection of Rila National Park. Commandant of the event was Konstantin Dichev from Green Balkans.
This time for the verification were invited all responsible institutions: the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Environment and Waters, the Minister of Regional Development and Town Planning, the Regional Directorate for National Construction Control – Kiustendil, The Regional Prosecutor’s Office – Kiustendil, the Directorate of Rila National Park and the Municipality of Sapareva Banya.
Only the mayor of Sapareva Banya- Sasho Ivanov and deputy mayor Vasil Margin came to the place of the verification. With the documents they had they could not manage to convince anybody of the legality of the construction of the scandalous lift from Pionerska mountain hostel to Rilski Ezera mountain hostel. All other institutions whose main responsibility is to guarantee law and order in the country did not show up. This proved most people’s suspicion that the responsible officials are probably unable to give any acceptable explanation before the present media and citizens about why the construction works in Rila are still not stopped. The Bulgarian RE: TV and the French National Television France 5 were present at the event together with 50 concerne citizens.
This verification again ascertained violations concerning the entering of motor vehicles in the park, except for the construction works violations.
Despite the bid civil pressure during the last month it became clear that the police nan the park directorate does not want to exert control over the motor vehicles that enter the protected territory, which is a rough violation of the Management Plan of Rila National Park. The investor had put the barrier back to its place but the numerous jeeps freely go round it.
The civil group “Citizens for Rila” threatened to demonstrate civil disobedience if the illegal construction works are not stopped until September, 15th.
For additional information:
Konstantin Dichev kdichev@greenbalkans.org
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Official statement of Coalition ”Let Nature Remain in Bulgaria” about the law violations related to the construction of a lift from Pionerska mountain hostel to Rilski Ezera mountain hostel: http://forthenature.org/documents/category/7
