The Cabinet of Ministers Takes on Saving Rivers: What May Start Being Demolished Across Ukraine
The Cabinet of Ministers approved a bill aimed at restoring the free flow of rivers, preserving their water capacity, and improving the condition of water bodies in accordance with European environmental requirements. This was reported by the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine.
The document provides for the creation of a mechanism to identify objects that obstruct the natural flow of rivers. This specifically concerns hydraulic structures that negatively affect the condition of rivers and aquatic ecosystems. The bill also simplifies the procedure for accounting for these structures and making decisions regarding their further use or dismantling.
Special attention is given to the issue of ecological flow — the minimum volume of water necessary for the normal functioning of river ecosystems, maintaining water quality, and preserving water resources.
The bill also clarifies the powers of authorities regarding the implementation of river basin management plans.
"Today, the issue of preserving the water capacity of rivers and restoring their free flow is one of the key aspects of Ukraine's water security. Excessive regulation of rivers leads to ecosystem degradation, deterioration of water quality, and depletion of water resources. Our task is to form a modern water resource management system that will correspond to European approaches and ensure a balance between ecological needs and community needs," said Irina Ovcharenko, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine.
The bill was developed to implement the government action plan for the comprehensive resolution of problems in the Ros River basin for 2024–2030.
"One of the main problems in the water sector today remains the condition of small rivers. More than 30% of surface water bodies are negatively affected due to regulation and changes in natural riverbeds. At the same time, the current procedure for dismantling ownerless objects that obstruct the free flow of rivers is complicated and lengthy, which complicates the restoration of river ecosystems and the achievement of environmental goals outlined in river basin management plans," the Ministry of Economy added.
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