Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu is convening a Government meeting today to examine the proposal to introduce an environmental alert for the Nistru River basin for a period of 15 days, TRIBUNA reports.

Due to the continuous wave of pollution with petroleum products, the risk of the pollution spreading, and the exceedance of contaminant levels in the northern area of the Nistru River, a rapid mobilization of resources is required.

In parallel, as a precautionary measure, the authorities have decided to impose restrictions on the use of water from the Nistru for localities located along the river segment between Rezina and Dubăsari.

Yesterday, 14 March, water intake operations were halted at the Cosăuți station, as well as in the locality of Naslavcea, affecting the districts of Soroca, Bălți, Florești, and Sîngerei. Local public authorities in the affected riverside communities will ensure, over the next 48 hours, the use of alternative water sources, without drawing water from the Nistru River.

Additionally, to limit the spread of pollution and protect water supply infrastructure, the authorities have decided to:

• install dams and additional systems for capturing and absorbing petroleum products at strategic points along the river, especially in the northern area and downstream up to the water intake station for the municipality of Chișinău;
• install additional barriers in the Dubăsari area to reduce the risk of pollution spreading.

The responsible institutions will continue to monitor the situation, intervene in affected areas, inform the population, and provide the necessary recommendations.