Tala mukhtar hits back at tree-cutting allegations

Tala community leader on Tuesday objected strongly to the characterisation of works undertaken at a lush green spot in the community as an “environmental crime” by community residents.

“I wish to object strongly to the suggestion I had carried out illegal interventions,” Tala leader, Areti Pieridou said in response to residents claiming that she had acted unilaterally and questioning the legality of the works.

“Neither myself, nor the Tala council, have carried out any illegalities regarding this particular area. The relevant permits are in place and any tree-cutting was carried out under the supervision of the forestry department,” the mukhtar said.

Pieridou added that documentation was available and that the works concerned the creation of a public park following community agreement on the matter.

“This is just the start of the project. The intention is to create a decent, proper, accessible linear park, with stone trails running through the whole park, and suitable seating areas.  There will be planting of more than a hundred new trees,” the mukhtar said.

Residents in Tala on Wednesday were outraged over what they saw as an inexplicable environmental crime committed in their community.

According to local resident, Spiros Stefanis, the destruction started when diggers moved in and uprooted massive amounts of vegetation, completely denuding a beloved lush green spot in the village.

“The destruction is beyond comprehension,” Stefanis had told Cyprus Mail.

The gully, an officially designated green area, included a creek and a paved nature trail whose character had been completely destroyed by the works, the concerned resident had said.

Artist and local teacher, Rinos Stefani, also decried the destruction on social media:

“A few years ago, as part of the students’ education, we visited the famous “smoke trees” traditionally associated with Saint Neophytos. We walked along the path by the river, which flows year-round, among tall trees and bushes, aspens, shinia trees, myrtles and more, not to mention unique species of fauna. Unfortunately, illegal bulldozing and levelling of a large part of the riverbed, arbitrary cutting of trees and bushes, and moving of rocks [have] destroyed this beauty.”

Council member, Christakis Evanthi, had told Cyprus Mail, “We had agreed to some minor works necessary to stop water from leaking through a retaining wall onto the road, however, what was done was entirely unnecessary and we are shocked.”

The council member added that at least 15 trees had been cut to stumps and that he had questioned the environment department who knew nothing of the matter.

Speaking to Cyprus Mail, Green party member Andreas Evlavis, said the party had sent official letters to all relevant departments, including the Paphos district officer, and were awaiting explanations.

“Correct procedure prescribes supervision of works by an expert at the scene,” Evlavis said.

Cyprus Mail received confirmation that according to the water development department, as per 2010 legislation, no installations or any other works may be undertaken in any area designated as a public riverbed.