Category: Blog Tags: #ENVIRONMENT
In the depths of the memories of the local population, the Gracanka River was once the lifeblood of the local community, a source of life and beautiful scenery. Today, that same river is becoming a witness to decades of environmental neglect. Scenes of murky water and foul odors have become an integral part of everyday life for the residents of Gracanica, Laplje Selo, and Preoce, leaving nostalgic feelings for all those who once proudly called this area their home.
The Gracanka River, once the heart of the local community, is now becoming a source of danger. Once clean, the water of this river now carries the burden of decades of pollution, which threatens not only the ecosystem but also poses a serious risk to the health of the local population. Scenes of murky water accompanied by an unbearable stench have unfortunately become a daily occurrence for the residents of Gracanica, Laplje Selo, and Preoce. One of the culprits for this ecological disaster is the tailings dump, a deposit of mining waste that poses a serious threat to the preservation of the river and the health of the local population. Years of mining exploitation from the Kisnica mine have produced enormous amounts of waste located near the village of Gracanica and along the banks of the Gracanka River at its source. This waste, known in the community as "Jalovina," occupies an area of 40-50 hectares in the immediate vicinity of the village of Gracanica.
Tailings have become a symbol of past times for the residents of the municipality of Gracanica when environmental responsibility and human health were not priorities, but only economic gain. Suboptimal mining has left traces of heavy metals, especially lead, which poses a serious health risk. These lead residues, invisible but deadly, have infiltrated local soil, water, and air, turning once healthy environment into silent killer of the local population and beyond. Unfortunately, the visible effects of this poisoning can only be seen in the summer, due to the lack of atmospheric precipitation, toxic orange dust from the tailings envelops several settlements in it’s vicinity.
In addition to Tailings, other factors further contribute to water pollution in the Gracanka River, such as sewage and fecal waste, atmospheric water, and irresponsible dumping of waste by local residents, further burdening the ecosystem. In addition to these known sources, there is concern about the presence of chemical waste being discharged into the river, whose sources have not yet been fully identified. The exact origin of this chemical waste is unfortunately not sufficiently investigated by inspection services or other relevant institutions, and the problem remains that such pollution continues to occur without adequate control and prevention of this practice.
In the 21st century, when environmental conservation issues have become a priority in global politics and public discourse, it seems that local and central authorities in these areas have not adapted their priorities to modern requirements. Although there is an abundance of environmental strategies, recommendations, promises, and policies dedicated to environmental protection in Kosovo, the problem of tailings in Gracanica and pollution of the Gracanka River remains unresolved. The absence of adequate care for this problem has increasingly negative consequences that directly endanger the health of the local population.
The question arises: why do we lack the will to solve this problem?
First, political factors play a crucial role in the lack of willingness to solve this problem. The interests of political actors, linked to economic interests or the preservation of political power, may be opposed to the needs of environmental protection and human health because such a problem is not seen as a tool to increase political power and achieve political or economic interests. Also, the lack of political stability and coordination between different levels of government makes it difficult to implement effective measures to address such environmental problems.
Second, economic barriers may limit the possibilities for adequate funding and implementation of projects for the cleaning and remediation of polluted areas such as tailings. Lack of investment and resources can prevent effective waste management and the implementation of technological solutions that would reduce pollution.
Despite a significant influx of funds from international entities, these funds mostly do not prioritize solving environmental problems, i.e. in this case, problems in the municipality of Gracanica. In the past, there have been minor interventions by international organizations that unfortunately have not contributed to the long-term resolution of this problem.
Institutional factors, including the lack of adequate regulations, supervision, and law enforcement, also contribute to the lack of willingness to solve the problem. Insufficient cooperation between relevant institutions, as well as the lack of transparency and accountability in managing environmental issues, make it difficult to find effective solutions.
Finally, a lack of awareness and education about the importance of environmental protection can contribute to a lack of willingness to act. Citizens and other relevant actors, due to decades of unresolved problems, have gained a sense of powerlessness that any of their actions can lead to positive changes in solving this problem.
In essence, solving the problem of pollution of the Gracanka River and tailings requires a combination of political will, economic support, institutional reforms, and education to ensure that environmental issues are treated as a priority and adequately addressed in the interest of all citizens.
The effects of the lack of willingness to solve the problem of pollution of the Gracanka River and tailings are far-reaching and serious.
Pollution of these areas causes serious environmental degradation, which is one of the key problems facing the local community. Every year without taking adequate protection and remediation measures contributes to further degradation of the natural ecosystem of the river. This not only leads to loss of biodiversity but also disrupts the natural balance of the entire area, not just the local community. Especially worrying is the fact that there is a lake near the tailings used for supplying drinking water to most of Pristina and the municipality of Gracanica. This further emphasizes the seriousness of the problem because pollution is directly related to the health and safety of the water used by a large part of the population of Kosovo.
Health risks are also very serious. The presence of heavy metals, such as lead, in water, soil, and air, poses serious health threats to the local population. Such pollution can lead to various health problems, including neurological disorders, developmental problems in children, respiratory diseases, and an increased risk of cancer. Without urgent measures for remediation, these health risks will continue to increase and jeopardize the well-being of the local community.
The economic impacts of pollution are also significant. Pollution of the Gracanka River and its surroundings can have serious consequences for the local economy. For example, agriculture, livestock farming, and fishing, which rely on clean water and soil, face reduced yields and economic losses. Additionally, the negative perception of the area due to pollution can deter tourists and investors, further exacerbating the economic situation.
Urgent action is necessary from political, economic, and institutional actors to address this issue, ensuring the protection of the environment and the future of generations to come. Failure to act decisively will only deepen the crisis and prolong the suffering of those directly affected by the consequences of pollution. It is about time for targeted efforts and unwavering commitment to ensure a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for all.
