Subotica strengthens drought, fire-risk measures

Authorities in Subotica, Serbia, have enacted strengthened preventive measures in response to a persistent drought, high temperatures, and the associated risk of fires. The decisions were made during an emergency session of the North Bačka Administrative District's operational headquarters.

The measures focus on the controlled utilization of available water resources. Local authorities and relevant bodies will work to prevent the uncontrolled diversion of water from the region's canal network and watercourses. This initiative aims to ensure a more sustainable management of water during the critical dry period.

Officials emphasized the strategic importance of initiating a project to channel water from the Tisza River to the Bačka region. This project, utilizing a canal system, is intended to provide water for irrigating agricultural land and to preserve water resources in the long term, with a particular focus on the Bačkotopolsko Lake.

Bojan Šoralov, the head of the North Bačka Administrative District and commander of the headquarters, stated that the implemented actions are crucial for safeguarding the population's water supply and mitigating fire hazards exacerbated by the dry conditions. The district is facing challenges related to surface and groundwater levels, compounded by the ongoing heatwave.