In Zakarpattia, the police have imposed a nominal administrative fine for the unauthorised construction of a weir at the confluence of the Zhdenivka and Latorica rivers, which nearly caused the rivers to burst their banks. Activists stress that this absurd punishment could lead to further blockages of the rivers, so they will seek to challenge the actions of the police and the State Environmental Inspectorate.
This was reported by the ‘Save Pikuy’ community.
Inappropriate punishment
The case was handled by the Mukachevo District Police Department. After the case was closed, the activists pointed out that the supervisory authorities had recognised the situation with the crossing as unlawful, but the response from the law enforcement agencies indicates that all those involved will receive only administrative fines. For example, for the Zhdeniivska village council, the fine will range from 255 to 510 UAH, with the possibility of it being doubled, as two articles of the Administrative Code have been applied.
These fines are imposed due to illegal construction on land belonging to the water resources fund. As for an environmental impact assessment, the law enforcement authorities’ response is that one is not required for this type of structure.
“For 1,000 UAH, you can build illegal river crossings, as nobody will dismantle them,” the environmental community protests.
A dangerous precedent
In their post, "Save Pikuy" included a video showing what appears to be preparation for constructing a new crossing over the Zhdeniivka. This is reportedly related to the necessity of transporting wind turbines, which is due to start soon.
Another crossing is planned to be built near the Shcherbiivskyi Bridge. According to "Save Pikuy", it will be used to transport timber being cut for the construction of a power transmission line. Activists state they are "at full readiness" and promise to call the police and file a complaint with the prosecutor's office as soon as they see the start of construction.
In the activists’ opinion, the authorities have chosen the path of temporary structures, since the existing bridges may not withstand the load.
"Wind farms, together with the corrupt regional and local authorities, have found a solution to avoid repairing the emergency bridges in our community. Instead, they will build makeshift crossings over rivers without permits. If this precedent is not stopped, there will be total lawlessness. We will face the complete degradation of the Carpathian environment unless something changes in the country," – the community emphasized.
It is worth recalling that this concerns a temporary crossing, which in winter had to be urgently dismantled. The structure blocked the flow of ice, putting residential properties at risk of flooding.
