Violations at the foot of the Mussala peak revealed within the Rila National Park, fear in Sapareva Banya

The Mussalenska path has been turned into a road

The Mussalenska path, running along the lower station of the Markudzhik tow-lift and reaching the Borovets resort, has been turned into a 13-meter-wide road. Significant construction work has taken place undermining the left slope at some places. Stone quarries have been opened to use the obtained material for covering the road and easing the motion of heavy vehicles.

Traffic of trucks and heavy machines

The traffic of vehicles is strictly forbidden within Rila National Park. An iron barrier is installed after the Velchovo Bridge in order to stop the vehicles. Despite the ban and the barrier, there is a constant traffic of SUVs, trucks and heavy machines. This not only violates the legislation but also jeopardizes the lives of the pedestrian tourists.

Construction of a hotel near the hut of Mussala

The construction of the so-called new Mussala hut started in the 80s. The project was abandoned in the beginning of the 90s. At present the construction has been renewed despite the lack of relevant permits, an environmental impact assessment and a concession contract for the area of the Rila National Park. The project provides for accommodation for 100-150 people and has significantly advanced. The old Mussala hut, which is still in operation, will most probably be demolished.

The construction of the road and the hotel-hut contradicts the Management Plan of the Rila National Park, the Protected Areas Act, the Environment Protection Act, the Territorial Structure Act, as well as the Birds and the Habitats Directives of the EU.

Clearing of a track for a new lift at the Markudzhik 2 ski-track

The new lift will be open, four-seats, replacing the existing tow-lifts. At present holes are being dug out for the pylons and the foundations are being laid. A new lower station for the lift is also being constructed.

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There are apparent attempts for constructing a drainage system at the construction site of the lower station of the non-permitted lift connecting the Pionerska hut with the Rilski ezera hut. Several weeks ago the area was struck by a mud-slide 20 meters wide.

The barrier marking the entrance of the Rila National Park is broken and thrown aside. The word “No” on the “No vehicles and sleights” signboard has been painted with white paint. For 10 leva anyone can be driven to the Rilski ezera hut by an off-road vehicle. The non-governmental organizations are supporting the wardens of the National Park and the law so they are planning to restore the barrier and the signboard at the entrance of the National Park.

The local people of Sapareva Banya are afraid to comment the Panichishte – Ezerata – Kabul peak project, known as the Super Panichishte Project.

For further contacts:

* Vera Petkantchin, „Citizens for Rila”, ++359 899/385859, vera.petkantchin@gmail.com
* Tsveta Hristova, „For the Earth”, “Let Nature Remain” Coalition, ++ 359 894/ 643901, skype: saverila, email: cveta.hristova@gmail.com