The planned session of the Committee for the Protection of the Environment and Nature of the Croatian Parliament in Gospić has been postponed from Friday to Monday. Instead of taking place on Friday at 16:00, the debate will be held on Monday at 16:00. The reason for the postponement was not stated, but interest in this agenda item was extremely high due to the escalation of the ecological crisis in Lika.
The extraordinary session was to focus on the details of the local waste site, where hazardous waste had been illegally deposited for more than a year. Approximately 37,000 tons of hazardous waste were buried in the area of the former industrial complex PPK Velebi in Gospić. The site is awaiting remediation, and the situation is serious as experts are identifying the presence of harmful substances.
According to the experts' findings, the waste site contains toxic compounds dangerous to human health. These findings have further spurred the need for parliamentary oversight and clarification of responsibility. The session was crucial for obtaining clearer information on the extent of the pollution and the steps being taken by the state.
Two high-ranking officials responded to the invitation to participate. Marija Vučković, the Minister of Environment and Green Transition, confirmed her attendance, as did the Minister of Health, Irena Hrstić. Their presence was expected given that the debate concerned both the environmental and health aspects of the crisis.
The committee was to receive detailed information on the ground situation and remediation plans. The postponement of the session temporarily delays the public debate on how such a large scale of illegal dumping occurred. Residents of Gospić and the wider region are following the development of events with great concern due to the potential long-term consequences for health and the environment.
