Blihe Waterfall water shortages prompt environmental investigation

The Blihe Waterfall near Sanski Most, a significant natural landmark in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has experienced sudden water shortages, most notably on August 11 and August 24. In response, the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Municipality of Sanski Most have initiated investigations to determine the cause of the disrupted water regime.

Experts, including hydrogeologists from the Sava River Basin Agency and representatives from the Federal Inspection Affairs Administration, are conducting field visits to collect data and measurements. While officials state they do not wish to prejudge the causes, the Federal Mining Inspection conducted oversight of the Kamengrad Mine on September 1, though an official report is still pending.

Local residents and environmental activists, including representatives from Eko akcija, have raised concerns regarding the impact of the nearby Zlauša open-pit coal mine, operated by the company Lager. Activists suggest that years of coal exploitation and mining may have affected underground and surface water levels, noting that the mine has reportedly been operating without a water permit since 2023. The company Lager has denied any connection between its mining operations and the waterfall's water loss.