In the last five years, the prefecture of Famagusta has received about 120 complaints about interventions within the Beach Protection Zone, according to Interior Minister Konstantinos Petridis.
In a reply letter to the MP of Ecologists Charalambos Theopemptou, Mr. Petridis states that judicial measures are taken in accordance with the law, in cases where arbitrary interventions are found within the Beach Protection Zone. while, for the purposes of promoting criminal prosecutions, a consultation between the Prefect and the Famagusta Police Directorate precedes, during which the extent of the interventions and the possibility of criminal prosecution before the Court are weighed.
He also notes that the coastline of the free Province of Famagusta, with an area of approximately 57 kilometers, is inspected daily by two (2) guards of the beach of the District Administration, who have the task of recording any interventions / work in a special register, taking photographs and informing the competent Officers for appropriate actions.
Two cases in progress
As noted, at this stage two (2) cases are in progress, for which there was no compliance with the instructions of the competent authorities.
One case is against the relevant Local Authority for works carried out in front of the hotel complex "MALAMA", in the location "Skoutari", in Paralimni and the other against two individuals and a legal entity for interventions in the location "Sand of Kambouri", in Ayia Napa.
A case against the relevant Local Authority is underway for work carried out at the site "Pernera", in Paralimni without obtaining the necessary permits, but in this case there was compliance with the instructions of the competent authorities and the work has been completed, as reported.
Be careful on the sidewalk
Regarding the sidewalks within the Beach Protection Zone on the coastal front of Paralimni and Ayia Napa, Mr. Petridis states that they have been licensed by the Department of Urban Planning and Housing and have been constructed as part of urban planning projects.
"The effort made is like the intervention within the Beach Protection Zone is mild, with the least possible negative effects on the natural environment," he notes.
It is added that the sidewalks are located at the greatest possible distance from the coastline, choosing materials suitable for the specific developments, with the primary goal of protecting the natural environment, the beach and the coastline of each area, creating a natural boundary between the beaches and the land. and obstructing the free access of motor vehicles.
For the issuance of a planning permission, the opinion of the Environmental Impact Assessment Committee is required in a Preliminary Environmental Impact Report that is prepared and submitted for this purpose.
Read the full correspondence HERE
Source: StockWatch