A new initiative aims to combat drought in Western Romania

A promising new project aims to combat drought in Western Romania, focusing on the restoration of water resources in the Ier hydrographic basin. The initiative, proposed in partnership with the National Agency for the Environment and Protected Areas, seeks to create a natural water retention system across approximately 166 hectares.

Central to the plan is the reconnection of the Ier River to its historic floodplain. This will involve the establishment of wetland areas and the construction of a network of microchannels to facilitate water accumulation and circulation. These measures aim to preserve water in nature, allowing it to be stored during rainy periods and released in a controlled manner during dry spells.

The project also includes essential maintenance work, such as dredging old riverbeds to restore the hydrological circuit and stabilizing riverbanks. Additionally, habitats in the wetland areas will be restored, and local hydromechanical systems and the hydrometric station will be modernized to allow for more effective water management and precise resource monitoring.

The Administration of Water Basins Crișuri is actively seeking European funding for this major project, which is expected to be financed through the Sustainable Development Program 2021–2027. Director Pásztor Sándor highlighted the potential benefits for agriculture in Satu Mare and Bihor counties, emphasizing that the project is part of a broader strategy to adapt to climate change and increase resilience against extreme weather events.

With a focus on the Andrid non-permanent accumulation area, this initiative is set not only to mitigate the effects of drought but also to enhance local ecosystems and support agricultural sustainability in the region.