The organization of local self -government of the Nicosia district was at the center of the ecological scandal after during the work on modernizing the Atalass pump station, uncleaned wastewater was unauthorized in the direction of the Byzakota river.
The incident caused serious pollution and concern among environmentalists and local residents. According to the Environmental Protection Department, the pollution affected about 800 meters of the river channel, stretching up to the territories near Cyprus University. In addition, additional wastewater leaks from hatches along the avenue leading to the station were recorded, which indicates the scale of the incident.
As a result of the audit, the authorities took immediate measures: a fine of 20,000 euros was imposed on the department, as well as orders for the immediately termination of the discharges and reclamation of the injured areas. A zone adjacent to the Atalass National Forest Park, an important natural and recreational resource of the capital, fell under special control.
Although the organization previously notified the public about the temporary disconnection of the pumping station from April 23, 2025 in connection with the modernization of the equipment, the message did not indicate the intention to direct waste discharge into natural reservoirs. This fact caused criticism from public and environmental organizations that accused the administration of insufficient transparency and neglect of environmental protection norms.
At the moment, environmental services continue to monitor the condition of the aquatic ecosystem, and also control the execution of instructions for the cleaning and restoration of the territory. According to representatives of the department, "a complete environmental assessment of the consequences will be made, as well as recommendations for the prevention of similar incidents in the future."
The incident has become a reason for discussing the need to strengthen environmental control and review of protocols for the period of infrastructure, especially near natural zones and water resources.
Source: In-CyPrus.philenews.com
