site.btaEnvironment Minister Orders Measures to Mitigate Impact from Melting Snow

Caretaker Minister of Environment and Water Julian Popov sent a letter to the four heads of river basin directorates to order measures ensuring riverbeds flow capacity in the spring and mitigating the potential risk of flooding caused by the melting snow and rising river levels, the Ministry reported on Thursday.

The heads of the four river basin directorates in the country must notify municipal mayors and regional governors about inspecting the conditions of riverbeds, streams, drainage facilities, bridges, and culverts in their respective jurisdictions. Mayors must also be informed about measures taken to clear areas where debris or trees have piled up, as blocking the water flow could cause flooding.

According to the Disaster Protection Act and the Water Act, municipal mayors are responsible for taking measures to maintain riverbeds flow capacity, including the removal of sediment, vegetation, waste, and other obstacles that could impede the normal flow of water.

At the beginning of March 2026, the Environment Ministry urged local authorities to take preventative measures to clean up areas contaminated with waste, including riverbeds and streams.