Within the framework of a national conference dedicated to the achievements and challenges of BSP-United Left, the Minister of Environment and Water Manol Genov presented extensive changes in state policy on waste management and water resources.
A key focus of the new legislative approach is the increased sanctions for individuals and legal entities that carry out unauthorized waste disposal. Innovative evidentiary mechanisms are being introduced, including the possibility for mayors to use video surveillance when identifying violations.
Among the most significant innovations is the expansion of local administration powers. Mayors of municipalities and smaller settlements will receive broader powers for control and sanctioning. An unprecedented measure is also envisaged - temporary seizure and deregistration of vehicles used for unauthorized waste disposal.
Regarding water resources, the ministry is introducing a new management model for 51 complex and significant reservoirs. Priority remains drinking water supply, taking into account that 2025 is expected to be one of the driest in the last two decades.
Genov emphasized the specific challenges in water use, especially regarding the Arda cascade and agreements with Greece. According to him, Bulgaria is not simply providing water, but offering a professional service of regulated water supply, including storage and accumulation of water quantities.
In the context of the Operational Program "Environment", contracts have already been signed for nearly 800 million leva. A specific success is the saving of ten projects in seven water supply companies related to water supply network reconstruction, sewerage and treatment plant construction worth 363 million leva.
The presented measures demonstrate a targeted and comprehensive approach to challenges in the field of ecology and sustainable development.