As destruction of the Vrbas riverbank continues, environmentalists speak out to prevent further damage

(Patria) - As the destruction of the bank of the Green River, the Vrbas, continues, specifically the cutting of willows and trees that have for centuries been a symbol of the city of Banja Luka and probably the reason why the Vrbas bears such a name, environmentalists have spoken out to prevent further damage.

They stated that they demand an urgent inspection on the ground, identification of those responsible for the tree cutting, and access to permits and documentation on the basis of which these works, as well as previous works at the Vrućica spa location and the destruction of the green banks, were carried out.

Two days ago, on the very bank of the Vrbas, in the immediate vicinity of the city bridge opposite the Kastel fortress, more than 20 trees, mostly willows, were cut down.

Numerous citizens are dissatisfied, believing that this is destroying the city's cultural heritage.

It is still not clear who cut down these trees; responsibility is being sought from the City Administration, which is likely the orderer.

Projects for the construction of a promenade along the Vrbas riverbank are being mentioned, but as environmentalists point out, this is being done in a non-transparent and illegal manner.

Precisely because of this, the main responsibility is placed on the City Administration, which remains silent.

Environmentalists announce that they will continue every form of legal struggle to stop further destruction of the Vrbas riverbank.

They emphasize that in the entire story, they exclude politics as any background to their protests.