Litani River Pollution: National Interest Reveals Latest Developments

Lebanon Today

The National Authority of the Litani River announced in a statement that it has begun an additional dismantling operation of an illegal camp for displaced Syrians in the Marj area, specifically on the banks of the Ghzayyel River.
This measure comes within the framework of the Authority’s follow-up of legal procedures aimed at removing any encroachments on public river properties.

The statement explained that this step comes based on the prior written warnings issued by the Authority to evacuate a number of illegal camps established on the banks of the Litani River and its tributaries.
The statement indicated that the officials in charge of camp number 035 in Marj have begun implementing dismantling work in preparation for complete evacuation, in order to avoid legal prosecution and forced removal.

The Authority affirmed that this step is a direct result of the strict measures it has taken to stop encroachments on public property and protect water resources from sources of pollution resulting from the discharge of sewage, wastewater, and solid waste into the riverbed.

The Authority renewed its call to the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities, governors, and security forces to provide the necessary support to complete the implementation of eviction decisions for the remaining violating camps.
The Authority considered that the response of some officials in charge of these camps is a positive step that must be completed within the legal and humanitarian frameworks.

The Authority also reminded that any refusal to evacuate after the expiration of the specified deadline is a clear violation of the law.
Consequently, this exposes violators to legal prosecution and the implementation of forced removal at their own expense, including the costs of evacuation and waste removal.

The Authority concluded its statement by emphasizing that these measures come within the framework of its national responsibility to protect water resources, preserve the environment, and stop sources of pollution that threaten public safety and community health in the Litani River basin.