Isn’t it surprising that amidst urban development, a haven like \u00c1lomhegyi-t\u00f3 exists? Welcome to \u00c1lomhegyi-t\u00f3 in Veresegyh\u00e1z. It is near Budapest. This is no ordinary lake. It’s a tale of nature’s resilience. It’s also a battle against human intervention.
Back in 2012, Veresegyh\u00e1z mayor P\u00e1sztor B\u00e9la decided to create a new lake. It would be near three existing ones. The vision was grand. It involved diverting water from a nearby water treatment plant to fill the \u00c1lomhegyi-t\u00e1roz\u00f3.
But nature had other plans. A 2013 soil survey revealed a problem. The subsoil consisted of silt and sand. There was also gravelly mud. The crucial water-sealing layer was too deep. The water from the treatment plant would simply seep away. Despite this, authorities granted permits. They allowed the extraction of 288000 cubic meters of earth.
Verestransz Sz\u00e1ll\u00edt\u00e1si won the contract. The contract was for the dredging of the 14-hectare lakebed. The contract was worth 125006000 forints. But \u00c1lomhegyi-t\u00f3 remained elusive.
The water-sealing layer lay six to seven meters deep. The planned depth of the lake was only three to four meters. A feasibility study never materialized. The excavation permit needed constant extensions.
In February 2021, Verestransz got another chance. They received 36754371 forints for dredging. The data revealed no study was ever conducted. Meanwhile, the dredging permit needed constant renewal.
Local environmentalists watched with concern. The Tavir\u00f3zsa Association reported irregularities. But authorities dismissed their concerns. This spring, things changed.
Archaeological experts should have been present. They should have supervised excavation due to a medieval Sarmatian burial ground. This didn’t happen. Four archaeological sites suffered damage. One was almost completely destroyed. Pest County Government officials confirmed the destruction.
But the trouble didn’t end there. Tavir\u00f3zsa also reported damage to flora and fauna. Authorities investigated and agreed.
In June 2021, inspectors found machinery working near nesting sites. These sites belonged to bee-eaters and sand martins. Warning signs had disappeared. Approaching the cliffs during nesting season is forbidden. It endangers the birds. These birds are legally protected.
The government halted vegetation removal until September 1, 2021. They also initiated proceedings for environmental damage.
The protected greylag geese population declined. Only one great egret remained. The fish suffered too. A mass fish death occurred. It was connected to the \u00d6reg-t\u00f3.
Tests revealed high levels of pollutants. There were high levels of phosphorus and ammonium ions. Coli and enterococcus bacteria were also found. These pollutants can kill fish.
Despite the ecological concerns, the mayor moved forward. During the state of emergency, he initiated a loan. The loan was worth three billion forints. He allocated 340000000 forints for dam construction.
Over recent years, 304551840 forints went to earthworks. Veresg\u00e9p Kft. secured three contracts related to the reservoir. The company earned 324 million forints last year.
Now, the Tavir\u00f3zsa Association has launched a petition. They aim to protect \u00c1lomhegyi-t\u00e1roz\u00f3 and its surroundings. Between 2011 and 2019, 52 protected bird species were tagged here.
In May 2021, construction destroyed habitats. Machines approached the Eurasian scops owl nest. This is a violation of conservation laws. Despite attempts to get a statement, the mayor remained silent.
Originally, the reservoir aimed to retain freshwater. It was meant for agriculture and recreation. Today, \u00c1lomhegyi-t\u00f3 stands as a symbol. It is a symbol of conflict. The conflict is between development and nature. It is a struggle for environmental protection. It is a reminder of the costs of progress.