Политика

For the second time, RIEW Pazardzhik's EIA assessment of the Sutka project is negative. Once again, the residents of the Municipality of Velingrad, who strongly expressed their support for this project, seeing it as a realization of many of their dreams and improving the quality of their lives, are disappointed.
Considering the parameters of the first project, all of us - and the experts, and the general public agreed that its scale is likely to significantly disturb the ecological balance in the region. This velingradians least want to happen, because we know that we have to preserve the riches with which our end is unique. The first return of the project did not discourage us. I do. It was revised to an option where its implementation would fit into the natural environment in the most favorable way possible. The parameters were shrunk several times so that the human factor would complement nature, not interfere with it. Numerous are the examples of facilities and complexes of this kind, which are proof that natural resources can exist not in themselves, but by helping people to live better. At the public discussion we, the citizens of Velingrad, asked the representatives of RIEW understandably to explain why, since there are so many similar complexes both in the country and abroad, and they do not interfere with nature, but on the contrary - evidence of a change in the quality of life of the people there, according to them, this one turns out to be so drastic. However, we never received such an explanation.
On one of their main arguments for the inadequacy of the complex due to its impact on the water supply zones, the chairman of the water association in Velingrad categorically said that there would be no negative effect on them. However, the experts only complied with their opinion.
We very much hoped that the chairman of RIEW, who is related to Velingrad and our fellow citizen Mr. Tarasenko would vote in our favor. However, it is a fact that their signatures also stand under the negative opinion. I'm afraid my concerns that RIEW is in the hands of someone's interests have been confirmed.
I want to assure the entire public that we will not give up this fight easily. At the meeting we held on December 29 in the MoEW, we made it clear that we would not betray the interests of our city. We rely on support and understanding from this highest instance and we hope that it will not be guided only by the opinion of RIEW.
In due course we will inform the citizens about the scheduled second date for a High Expert Environmental Council. Right now I appeal to all people with active citizenship, on the relevant date with posters and chants, peacefully but categorically to stand once again and show that this project is very important to us!
Dr. Tsvetan Dafov, Mayor of Velingrad Municipality