Protected River Diverted to Hydro Plant Amid Severe Drought in Slovenia

Environmental activists are raising serious concerns over the diversion of a protected river's flow to a small hydroelectric power plant amidst Slovenia's worst drought. The "River Guardians" (Varuhinje rek) and members of the Sava River Confluence Protection Alliance reported that the Sava Bohinjka river, a natural asset of national importance, was almost entirely diverted through the Cajhn dam for electricity generation.

During a site visit on August 6, activists observed minimal water outflow from the dam, with the riverbed downstream left dry and the fish ladder devoid of water. They noted the accumulation of foul-smelling organic sludge in the dam's reservoir. This occurred despite the Directorate for Water calling for responsible water usage and the preservation of riverine life in recent weeks.

“

We ask ourselves whether it is permissible in such critical drought conditions to dedicate almost the entire flow of a protected river to electricity production and whether private economic interest takes precedence over preserving life in the river, aquatic organisms, and public natural resources.

The environmental groups questioned the permissibility of diverting nearly the entire flow of a protected river for energy production during such critical drought conditions. They asked whether private economic interests were being prioritized over the preservation of river ecosystems, aquatic organisms, and public natural resources. Many European countries are reportedly limiting or halting hydroelectric power generation due to record-low water levels, making the Slovenian situation particularly contentious.

Following the activists' visit, the small hydroelectric plant owner reportedly reduced its operation, allowing some water to flow and local firefighters to clear the sludge. However, the River Guardians fear that as the river's inflow diminishes further due to the drought, the owner's interests may again supersede the fragile ecosystem's needs, especially with the first rainfall. They emphasized that river protection is a state responsibility, not dependent on individual goodwill or luck, and called for effective oversight from all relevant authorities.

“

River protection cannot depend on chance or the goodwill of individuals – it is the responsibility of the state and all its supervisory bodies.