Panagiotis Nanos: Lake Plastira is in danger from over-pumping – 2024-08-09 17:25:22

In an emergency meeting of the Municipal Council, the mayor Panagiotis Nanos expressed his concern and disappointment for the management of Lake Plastira, which, as he argued, is seriously threatened by the excessive drainage of water for the irrigation of the Thessalian plain.

“The managers of the waste of resources ignore the reality. They think that Lake Plastira is an unlimited source of water, treating it like their little farm. Even worse, they held a meeting in Larissa about the waters of the lake and did not have the temerity to invite the mayor of the region”, said Mr. Nanos.

Resolution of the Municipal Council

The municipal council passed a resolution with a series of requests for the protection of the lake:

1. Water Drainage Reduction: Immediate reduction of water drainage from the lake and observance of the ecological limit.
2. Rational Resource Management: Improving the management of Thessaly’s water resources and avoiding wastage due to poor coordination.
3. Accurate Bottom Survey: Use of Navy equipment to accurately map the bottom of the lake.
4. Ecological Threshold Study Update: Revision of the study on the ecological limit of the lake by NTUA, with modern hydrological data.
5. Compensatory Environmental Fee: Establishing a fee for those who use the lake’s water, with resources allocated to its protection.

Medium-term measures

In addition to the immediate requests, the resolution also proposes medium-term measures to address the water shortage:

• Design of Mountain Hydrology Projects: Retention of rainwater in ponds.
• Rational Utilization of Water Resources: Use of the water of the Pinios river through a network of canals.
• Innovative Irrigation Systems: Reduction of loss of water reserves.
• Creation of New Dams: Construction of dams at strategic points.
• Partial Water Transfer from the Ano Rou of Acheloos: Enhancing the environment and agricultural production.

Mr. Nanos emphasized that the proper management of water resources is critical for the survival of Lake Plastira and the well-being of the wider region.