The most popular beach in Protaras, the central beach of "Fig Tree", is threatened with irreparable ecological disaster, due to the arbitrary intervention on its east side, which took place about a year ago by the Municipality of Paralimni.
Hoteliers, restaurants and businessmen in the area complain that the placement of rocks by the Municipality and the arbitrary expansion of the beach, had a negative effect on changing the direction of the water, with the result that the water swallows the sand, which gradually disappears.
A phenomenon that brought rocks to the surface and already limited the coastal front. At the same time, it is complained by sources of the Municipal Council of Paralimni (the decision was taken by a majority for this project), that the Municipality did not receive any technocratic advice from the Department of Maritime Works, the Environment Service and the Ministries of Interior and Communications, which have a say in such projects of a nature which cannot be carried out arbitrarily.
The complaints were confirmed by the Deputy Governor of Famagusta, Andros Ktoridis. Specifically, he stated that with performances but also with an on-site visit to the beach area of "Fig Tree", he repeatedly called on the mayor of Paralimni, Theodoros Pyrillis, to remove the stones and restore the area to its previous state.
When asked what was the outcome of his instructions and persuasions to Mr. Pyrillis, Mr. Ktoridis answered meaningfully in one word: "Unfortunately…". He also stressed that he is aware of the problem that has been created due to the arbitrary intervention of the Municipality of Paralimni on the beach of "Fig Tree". From abroad, where he is, Mr. Ktoridis, says that he will go to the beach as soon as possible, to review the situation in which he found himself.
It is worth mentioning that in the area, information informs us that at regular intervals a municipal crew re-sands the rocks that emerge through the sand from another area, which recedes and disappears deep into the sea. However, nature punishes in its own way, eliminating in a few days the carrying sand.
Businessmen in the area are calling for the immediate intervention of the Ministers of Transport and Interior, in order to end the illegality and arbitrariness that threatens the beach of "Fig Tree" with irreparable destruction. They also ask for an investigation into the reasons for the specific project, which, according to the relevant state departments, was unnecessary.
Accidents and accidents
One year after the arbitrariness of the Municipality of Paralimni on the beach "Fig Tree", it is almost unrecognizable compared to previous years. Part of the beach is now surrounded by rocks that emerged when the sand receded, both inside and outside the water.
To the west, the same picture is presented, but there are also rocks on which it grew, which points to the explanation that the recycling of seawater in this bay is no longer possible as before, due to the change in the direction of the water brought about by its arbitrary intervention. Municipality of Paralimni.
The slippery rocks that emerged from the sand of the beach "Fig Tree", led the municipality to place a warning sign to bathers, since last year and this year, almost every day some slip and fall, as unsuspecting attempt to enter the water pressing on the rocks.
It is noted that the arbitrary intervention of the Municipality of Paralimni on the beach of Fykos (as this beach is otherwise called) had provoked strong reactions from environmentalists in the winter of 2014.
Source: FILELEFTHEROS