Almost three weeks after the confirmation of illegal earthworks and heavy machinery operations on state-owned coastal land in Pyrgos, Limassol, authorities have yet to identify those responsible for the extensive damage to the area’s dune system.
Philenews sources indicate that a formal police complaint is expected to be filed, though questions remain over why local police were not notified earlier.
The Department of Forests has conducted multiple on-site inspections and liaised with relevant law enforcement agencies to determine the legality of activities in the broader area.
During a parliamentary Finance Committee meeting reviewing the Agriculture Ministry’s budget, Forestry Department Director Savvas Iezekiel, who visited the site last Thursday, said his department “will fine the owner of private plots for pruning eucalyptus trees without obtaining necessary permits”.
However, questions persist about whether the trees were pruned or felled, and whether they were located on private land or state-owned coastal property.
The same plot was previously proposed by the Forestry Department for designation as state forest and natural micro-reserve, though this process has been stalled for the past 18 months.
Environment Department Director Theodoulos Mesimeris stated that existing legislation provides tools for law enforcement, close monitoring of the case, and site restoration.
