Flashmob At Tsnianka: “An Official Can Kill 50 Birds”

Activists are protesting against the destruction of forests around Tsnianka reservoir.

They demand to punish those responsible for the destruction of environment, in memory of the forest activists put up photos of animals and plants that used to live in the place of the construction site, Radio Svaboda reports.

On May 24 in the afternoon, a group of activists gathered at Tsnianka reservoir shore in Minsk for a flashmob against the destruction of green belt for the health center construction. They put up photos of animals, birds and plants that live in the forest on the mountains of sand at the construction site, told about the violations of law committed at the beginning of the construction, and demanded to punish the perpetrators.

“There are 50 species of birds, 16 – of trees. They can be killed by one official,” – one of the posters said.

The rally was attended by activists of the United Civil Party, 10 people altogether, police officers in civilian clothes videoed the event, but did not interfere. Two policemen in uniform were standing at a distance.

The opponents of the construction argue that it was started without the coordination with public and without the relevant decree. Activist Volha Mayorava drew attention to the fact that the decree on the allocation of land, which was signed by Lukashenka, had not been published. According to the builders’ documents, 2.5 hectares of woods and fields have been destroyed, but the activists assume, that the area will be increased.

“Dozens of species of birds and animals used to live here, now they will have to leave forever. This is above the fact that hundreds of Zialiony Luh residents used to rest here. The construction, like a tumor, is destroying everything. Officials have given permission for such a construction contrary to the law,” – Dzianis Krasachka from the UCP said.

Earlier, activists collected and sent to the Minsk city executive committee more than two thousand signatures against the construction, after the flashmob they will continue to collect signatures.

There is already a tennis center near the Tsnianka reservoir – the “Tennis Club” at the intersection of Kaltsova and Padolsk Streets.