Stohlova: Proposed Water Act Amendment Sparks Environmental Concerns

Bratislava, 25 July (TASR) – The proposed amendment to the Water Act, currently undergoing interdepartmental review, weakens environmental protection, according to opposition MP Tamara Stohlova (PS). „Climate change brings extreme weather – droughts, flash floods, and heavy rains. Slovakia must prepare to mitigate damage, injuries, and, in the worst case, loss of life. But Environment Minister Tomas Taraba is choosing the opposite direction. His amendment introduces an exemption for water management from environmental protection restrictions at all levels," Stohlova stated. She argued that under current law, many watercourses are classified as water structures and play a vital role in managing drought and floods. Unregulated interventions in watercourses and their surroundings could worsen the situation, she warned. „There is a big difference between floodwater rushing through a channel and flooding the nearest village, and using natural floodplains to slow the water in meanders so that the flood wave reaching the village is much smaller,” she said. Stohlova also criticised Taraba’s proposal to introduce "presumed consent" for tree felling near watercourses. These trees often play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of the local environment. Under the proposal, if the State Natural Protection agency fails to respond within 15 days to a felling notification, the consent would be considered granted. „This again increases the potential for destroying nature that could protect us from extreme weather,” the MP added. mf