Environmental groups led by Greenpeace strongly came out against and appealed the Government of Poland to rethink on its proposed plan to build a road through the Rospuda River valley, the home of many rare plant and animal species. The proposed road, part of the Via Baltica highway connecting Poland with Finland, has the potential to disturb a rare peat bog, a rare mating point for birds, protected under the EU habitat laws.
The right wing government led by Kaczynski brothers argues the construction of highway on the ground of speedy economic development. However, its construction, piercing through the Rospuda River valley, is set to bring Poland more discomfiture in the European circle. The green groups in Germany and France are already putting pressure on their governments to make the environmental clause a precondition for Poland’s entry into the EU.
The EU commission for environment at Brussels is also opposing the construction of the highway. The Commission is trying hard to convince Poland to go for any available alternative routes. EU is even contemplating of approaching the EU’s Court of Justice to force an injunction against beginning the construction of the highway. In such a scenario, the Polish dream to enter the EU may be jeopardized forever.
Though the highway will ensure road safety and swift traffic flow for the people of Augustow, the irreparable loss caused to the environment may cause them to pay more. Large-scale lumbering and industrial growth have destroyed almost sixty percent of the Polish environmental and forest wealth. Many rare species found 30 years ago are almost extinct now. Rospuda River valley is the last survived vestige of rare plants and animals in Poland. Any harm to it is natural to bring pan-European concern.
Image
Via: ENN