site.btaInspections Launched along Black Sea Coast to Identify Any Construction on Ravines, Riverbeds - Regional Development Minister

Speaking to reporters here on Monday, Regional Development and Public Works Minister Ivan Ivanov announced the launch of inspections along the entire Black Sea coast that are aimed to identify any construction on ravines and riverbeds. He noted that similar inspections would be carried out in inland areas if alerts about such issues are received.

Ivanov said that information regarding the location of riverbeds along the coast has been requested from the Basin Directorates and the Regional Inspectorates of Environment and Water (RIEW). This data will be cross-checked with cadastral records. If construction is identified, all measures provided for by law will be enforced, the Minister noted.

He added that the Regional Directorate for National Construction Control in Burgas had issued a statement earlier on Monday confirming illegal construction in the resort village of Elenite. It will be presented to the stakeholders concerned, and the next step will be to issue an order for the demolition of the unlawful structures, Ivanov said, adding that this also applies to unauthorized modifications to the riverbed and a water park.

The Minister said that he had visited Elenite following the flooding in early October and described the scene as "apocalyptic."

He added that had the flooding occurred during peak tourist season, there could have been at least 400 casualties. In his words, the State must be present and uncompromising in every such case.

Taking a reporter's question, he said that the illegal alteration of the riverbed in Elenite, which had caused a blockage of the natural flow of water, would be removed. He did not comment on whether a hotel located in the affected area would be demolished. He said that there are legal deadlines for when the demolition of illegal constructions will take place, noting that the water park also lacks proper documentation.

Ivanov noted that it is up to the prosecution service to determine who failed to do their job and prevent the illegal construction in the past. All relevant documentation has been submitted to the prosecution service, he said.