President: The Slana River a Dead River Killing Gemer Tourism Potential

Nizna Slana, July 19 (TASR) - The Slana River is a dead river and literally kills off the tourism potential of Gemer area, President Zuzana Caputova stated during her visit to the village of Nizna Slana (Kosice region) on Tuesday. The head of state pointed out that no animals managed to survive in the river's polluted water. "Unfortunately, none of the things that should have been done came to pass in almost five months, namely to stop the source of pollution and carry out decontamination works," said Caputova, who met with the village mayor and activists. In this context, the President praised the decision of Environment Minister Jan Budaj (OLaNO) to propose to the Government the declaration of the state of emergency. The Slana River has been discoloured red since mid-February due to leakage of underground water from the iron ore mine located at the site of former mining company Siderit. mf/mcs