On Monday, Deputy Minister Nikos Tachiaos addressed the issue of a stalled flood control project in Attica due to concerns raised over a species of fish, the “Attikopsaro,” which environmental organizations claim is at risk.

Speaking to SKAI, he mentioned the flood control project in the Erasinos area, which drains the Mesogeia region—an important project, especially after the construction of the airport.

“The intervention in the Erasinos has stopped because the European Investment Bank has frozen the loan disbursement following complaints that the Attikopsaro is endangered and requires a special environmental study. Environmental organizations have filed complaints, including with the European Union,” Tachiaos explained.

He noted that an environmental impact study has already been conducted, addressing all issues.

“There is significant environmental activism that ultimately hinders the projects. The interventions will, to some extent, alter what we perceive as the natural landscape, but it is done for the benefit of the public,” Tachiaos added.

Although, according to him, the project blockage does not pose immediate risk, he warned that “when you have a contractor and there are delays, it creates claims that must be satisfied.”

The photo is from the archive.