Protection of the Larnaca Salt Lake cannot remain on paper only, the Ecologists Movement – Citizens’ Co-operation has said, calling for a comprehensive investigation into all possible sources of pollution in the lake’s catchment area, with sampling, chemical analysis and publication of the results.
In a statement, the party said a recent record of severe eutrophication at one point of the lake, documented by Terra Cypria, “causes reasonable concern and requires immediate and comprehensive investigation by the competent authorities”.
It asked the relevant services to say what is causing the eutrophication and whether sewage or other organic waste is flowing into the lake. It also asked when the last systematic checks were carried out on watercourses and activities around the wetland, what measures have been taken since the movement’s previous complaints, and how it is now being ensured that livestock, industrial or household waste does not end up in the protected area.
In a separate statement, the movement expressed “intense concern” over serious landslide activity and extensive cracks recorded in the Evkali area of Pyrga, Larnaca district, and unease that an extension of the Pyrga quarry zone is being promoted.
Among other things, it called for the immediate consideration of a temporary suspension of quarrying work until a risk assessment is completed and the safety of workers and the wider area is guaranteed.