Stop the increase in new constructions in the areas affected by the flood of May 2023, secure the Apennine hinterland by preserving its residential and productive fabric, manage the vegetation in the river areas at risk and contain the animals that make dens in the banks of rivers and streams (fossori animals, ed.) for the hydraulic safety of waterways. These are some of the guidelines indicated in the preliminary special plan for the reconstruction of flooded areas illustrated in Territory and environment commission. The definitive plan must be approved by June 30th and will contain the interventions in detail, with the related economic allocations.
“The Special Plan also contains guidelines for bridges and watercourse crossings, which will then have to be implemented by the Civil Protection of local administrations”, specified the inspector general of the commissioner structure. While the vice-president of the council underlined that “the Plan is the enrichment of a path already started some time ago by the Region which will take into account the critical issues encountered with the flood”. “The issue of disruption is crucial – she added. With the flood events of last May, 81 thousand landslides were recorded with the most significant impacts in the river basin areas, in particular in the province of Forlì-Cesena, Ravenna and partly in the Bologna area. Particular attention is also paid to bridges and infrastructures. The definitive plan will be brought to the attention of the government for the financing of works that will strengthen our territory”. In the illustration it emerged that among the most risky elements for the safety of the territory is the strong anthropic pressure linked to urbanization and production settlements. “The valley floor is essential for the expansion of floods, so some existing buildings must be relocated and certain parameters must be respected. We must prevent inhabited centers from flooding, minimizing the damage that a flood can cause for an area”, highlighted the technicians of the Environment service.
There League he underlined how “compared to the post-flood debates there has been a turning point in river management: apart from the Po river, in fact, sediment management plans had not been adopted for other rivers. It is therefore positive that the Special Plan talks about the possibility of managing sediments, riparian vegetation and burrowing animals”. And again: “Everything that is being put in place now must have already been done. If an event like last year were to repeat itself, would the situation change? Citizens are asking for this and want to know how long it will take for the works to be completed.”
For the Democratic party “It is important to respect the June 30 deadline for approval of the Plan and understand the process to be able to provide clear information to the population. The hope is to overcome the controversy over the causes of the flood because those who live in those areas want to know how to live in safe conditions and when they will be able to access the resources to rebuild homes and businesses”. It was also requested to “find a solution to the shortage of staff in small municipalities to handle the work. Furthermore, to date the Municipality of Coriano (Rimini) has not yet received the 4 million euros provided for in compensation in the first ordinance: it would be appropriate to do so.” And again: “The significant innovation of the Plan concerns the evaluation of relocations. The private sector and the public must find a meeting point for the protection of the territory”.
Brothers of Italy highlighted: “It is important that the Plan reserves a focus for the protection of the Apennines and for the riparian vegetation, but there are Municipalities that have been asking for some time to intervene also on the maintenance of wooded areas. This Plan is in some respects ‘remedial’: many citizens had reported problems that had not been listened to. It is interesting to understand how the relocation of settlements in the flooded areas will be managed.”
The 5 Star Movement commented: “The issue of land consumption is a sore point for our region. The flood must represent a watershed for the policies to be adopted. I believe there is a need to change the urban planning law which has not worked and answers must be given to local authorities. Mayors must have tools to avoid consuming land in flood-affected areas. It is good to address the issue of delocalisation
