site.btaDeputy PM Zafirov Inspects High-Risk River Sections in Pernik Region

Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov, who also chairs Bulgaria’s National Water Board, inspected critical uncleared river sections in the catchment areas of the Struma and Konska rivers together with Pernik Regional Governor Lyudmil Veselinov, the government press service reported on Friday.

During the inspection near the town of Batanovtsi, authorities concluded that urgent clearing work is needed. Governor Veselinov described the site as one of the most problematic within the Pernik region. The stretch is state-owned and requires significant coordination to clear; the regional administration has a project prepared with an indicative value of around BGN 3 million.

Veselinov assured Zafirov that the entire region has ready-to-implement projects for the cleaning of all similar high-risk river segments.

The inspection also highlighted a disparity in maintenance responsibility: municipalities finance the cleaning of rivers running through urban areas, while state-owned sections remain densely overgrown and difficult to access.

During Friday’s regular parliamentary sitting, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov announced that, within days, the Labour and Social Policy Ministry will finalize agreements on EU funding and launch a dedicated measure to support municipalities in preventing risks linked to dry riverbeds, channels, and reforestation. Additionally, BGN 14 million will be provided for equipment, including protective gear, boats, drones, and other tools for volunteers and staff of the Fire Safety and Civil Protection Directorate.

The National Water Board was established in September 2025 on the initiative of PM Zhelyazkov to coordinate efforts to overcome the 2025 water crisis and prevent similar situations in the future. The cabinet appointed its members, and the board meets twice a month to report to Parliament. Deputy PM Zafirov serves as its Chair, and a dedicated public website was launched in October to increase transparency of its work.