Bulgarian authorities uncovered systematic violations across hundreds of riverside properties after inspectors discovered municipalities approved construction without coordinating with water management agencies or environmental regulators. Regional Development Minister Ivan Ivanov revealed that over 370 sites breached planning and water protection statutes, with mayors authorizing detailed development schemes while basin directorates remained absent from expert council meetings.
Officials identified alarming patterns where cadastral maps omitted river boundaries entirely, allowing buildings to rise on covered waterways and flood zones with dynamically shifting banks. The government plans legislative amendments prohibiting structures in floodplains while commissioning specialized mapping to delineate water body boundaries, preventing excuses for future encroachment.
Inspectors documented egregious cases ranging from garage complexes lining riverbeds in Kardzhali to parking facilities atop buried ravines in Balchik, with some unauthorized structures impeding water flow and requiring immediate demolition despite possession of municipal permits.
Officials identified alarming patterns where cadastral maps omitted river boundaries entirely, allowing buildings to rise on covered waterways and flood zones with dynamically shifting banks. The government plans legislative amendments prohibiting structures in floodplains while commissioning specialized mapping to delineate water body boundaries, preventing excuses for future encroachment.
Inspectors documented egregious cases ranging from garage complexes lining riverbeds in Kardzhali to parking facilities atop buried ravines in Balchik, with some unauthorized structures impeding water flow and requiring immediate demolition despite possession of municipal permits.
