Local Residents Protest Proposed Animal Cemetery in Montenegro

Residents of the villages in the Lower Lješanska Nahija, specifically Kornet, Farmaci, Popratnica, and Šteke, organized a protest on Tuesday against plans to construct an animal cemetery on municipal land. This protest was held in the context of ongoing concerns about the environmental and health implications of the proposed site in the Barutana community, which falls within the cadastral municipality of Farmaci.

The protestors have formally requested an urgent meeting with Mayor Saša Mujović, seeking comprehensive documentation regarding the decision to build the cemetery at this location. The area in question spans approximately 3,000 square meters and is categorized as green space in planning documents, situated mere hundreds of meters from residential homes. Furthermore, below the proposed site lies a quarry filled with groundwater, which feeds springs in the nearby Berima region.

During the protest, representatives voiced their deep concern regarding the potential ecological and health risks associated with the cemetery. Veljko Mugosa, an authorized representative of the protesting villages, emphasized that residents are troubled by the project’s possible negative impact on their quality of life and agricultural activities. He stated, “We want to present our arguments directly and urge a reconsideration of this decision to find alternative solutions that do not jeopardize the sustainable development of our communities.”

To ensure transparency, the residents have also requested access to all relevant documentation under the Law on Free Access to Information. They are seeking copies of decisions, communications, and technical conditions relating to the cemetery’s construction, as well as environmental impact studies and public consultation records.

The residents are adamant that the land should be repurposed for more beneficial uses, such as a park, particularly as families are returning to the area and revitalizing their properties for agriculture and tourism. Their concerns stem from the proximity of the proposed site to homes and water sources, which raises questions about public health and environmental safety.

In response to inquiries from Pobjeda, the local government has clarified that an official decision regarding the construction of the animal cemetery has yet to be made. They stated that the proposed site was recommended based on a survey by a geodesist, who considered it suitable for the project. Public discussions and consultations with local communities will be organized before any final decisions are reached. Necessary permits and approvals will be sought after the final locations are confirmed, prior to any construction activities commencing.

This ongoing situation reflects the residents’ commitment to safeguarding their environment and quality of life while engaging constructively with local authorities to address their concerns.