Urgent Measures to Save Lake Srebarna from Ecological Collapse

Regional institutions announced a large-scale plan to save the ecosystem of Lake Srebarna by forcibly pumping water from the Danube River. The initiative was presented during an emergency press conference with the participation of key regional leaders.

The Director of RIOSV - Ruse, Daud Ibryam, thoroughly explained the critical hydrological situation that threatens the biodiversity in one of the most significant Bulgarian nature reserves. Experts found a drastic decrease in water level - by almost one meter below optimal values.

Emergency short-term measures include using two hydro-pump aggregates with a capacity of 400 cubic meters per hour, provided by the General Directorate "Fire Safety and Population Protection". Their maximum working capacity reaches 50 cubic meters of liquid per minute.

The operation will be coordinated by local RSPBZN structures in Silistra. Simultaneously, the introduction of a partial state of emergency is being considered as a preventive strategy to preserve the ecosystem.

Experts' analysis reveals complex causes of low water levels - a combination of artificial river flow regulation, climate change, and anthropogenic impact. Reduced snowfall, increased winter temperatures, and prolonged droughts further aggravate the situation.

According to the presented data, the water level of the Danube River near the village of Srebarna has reached critical marks between 7 and 7.30 meters, with a persistent tendency to decrease. The last natural filling of the lake was carried out in the spring of 2023.

The long-term strategy includes large-scale studies and interventions. RIOSV - Ruse plans a detailed geological and hydrogeological investigation, development of a multi-year dredging program, and possible construction of a permanent pumping system for water supply.

The Mayor of Silistra, Alexander Sabanov, and the Regional Governor, Iliyan Velikov, emphasized the need for quick and coordinated actions to preserve the unique nature reserve of international importance.

Experts expect that the taken measures will stabilize the hydrological regime and prevent an ecological catastrophe in one of the most significant wetlands in Bulgaria.