Municipality responds to criticism
The Municipality of Paralimni has issued a statement regarding ongoing water removal operations at Paralimni Lake, stressing that public discussion on the issue should be based on factual data rather than misinformation.
The municipality said the controlled removal of water from the lake is being carried out by the state’s Environment Department in cooperation with the Game and Fauna Service, the Water Development Department, and the Geological Survey Department, following a request by the municipality itself.
Infrastructure project dates back decades
According to the statement, state services had years ago constructed an embankment on private land to retain water for the protection of birds that use the area as a refuge.
The municipality also highlighted the existence of a major infrastructure project designed to recharge the region’s aquifer.
It said the project was specifically constructed for:
• aquifer replenishment,
• irrigation,
• and tackling malaria and mosquito problems that had affected the area.
Studies and construction of an 11-kilometre open canal system began in 1962, including around 40 dams and a sluice gate to control water levels. The project was completed in 1966 and operated through aquifer recharge and water pumping.
Concerns over stagnant water
The municipality warned that prolonged water retention in the lake has led to several problems, including:
• significantly increased salinity,
• degradation of the aquifer,
• water becoming unsuitable for use,
• and serious public health risks caused by stagnant water and increased mosquito populations in Paralimni, Deryneia and Sotira.
Support for wetland protection
The municipality rejected claims that it is undermining the wetland and said it has supported environmental initiatives in the area.
It noted that authorities have:
• created a bird observatory,
• organised photography exhibitions in cooperation with Lake Photography,
• invited the Environment Department to participate in inauguration events,
• requested a comprehensive redevelopment study for years,
• and called for expropriations so the state can legally proceed with management projects.
The municipality added that continuous meetings have recently been held with the Environment Department to advance a holistic redevelopment plan for the lake.
Controlled monitoring of water levels
According to the statement, water is not being removed uncontrollably.
The municipality said outflows are carried out through daily measurements and on-site inspections by the relevant state services to maintain the required water levels and protect the breeding of birds remaining in the area.
It also noted that although the lake is a Special Protection Zone, it is located on privately owned land, which is why authorities have for years requested expropriations by the state.
“The area needs balance between environmental and ecosystem protection, public health, rational water management and respect for private property,” the municipality said.
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