PL
The survey conducted as part of the “Safe Vistula – Ecologically into the Future” program has been completed. Representatives of local government units, residents, and other stakeholders from the areas covered by the program submitted their concerns and suggestions regarding flood protection measures and solutions to drought issues in the Sandomierz Vistula region. Nearly 150 completed forms were received.
The main threats identified included flash floods resulting from heavy rainfall. In this context, issues related to areas prone to flooding due to the poor condition of flood protection infrastructure were frequently mentioned. Agricultural drought and the resulting losses were also highlighted as a significant problem.
“When filling out the survey, representatives of local government units had the opportunity to propose measures that could positively impact flood protection. Many took advantage of this opportunity. Most proposed, among other things: raising and reinforcing levees along the Vistula River, deepening and widening the Vistula’s riverbed, modernizing existing flood protection infrastructure, and clearing trees and shrubs from the floodplain area. The need for the construction of retention reservoirs and polders was also recognized,” summarized Katarzyna Szczepaniec from the Polish Waters National Water Holding, RZGW in Kraków, which is implementing the “Safe Vistula – Ecologically into the Future” program.
A joint action plan is being developed.
The main goal of the Program is to mitigate the potential negative effects of floods on human life and health, the environment, cultural heritage, and economic activities in the section between Kraków and Zawichost. The search for effective flood protection measures, including retention solutions, is also accompanied by efforts to combat drought. All conclusions and proposals for specific solutions submitted during the survey, as well as suggestions from meetings with local government representatives, will be analyzed and incorporated into the development of the necessary action plan.
All interested parties from the Upper Vistula River Basin, covered by the Program, were invited to fill out the survey. Experts prepared two types of forms: one was addressed to representatives of local government units, residents, and interested institutions, while the other form was designed for non-governmental organizations involved in water resource protection.
The survey was another element of public participation in the implementation of the Program. Meetings have already taken place with representatives of municipalities from the so-called Sandomierz Vistula region under the auspices of the voivodes, as well as field meetings with interested units. We have completed the first of three planned expert conferences, with the next one scheduled for December this year. Educational events for children and youth, combined with the “Safe Vistula” exhibition, were organized in Kraków, Kielce, and Tarnobrzeg (we invite you on October 7 – link to the event). In early 2024, additional meetings will be held during public consultations, as well as other activities aimed at engaging project stakeholders. The action plan will be ready in 2024.
