Hungarian government moves to pass law saving Velencei Lake from drought

The water level of Hungary's Velencei Lake has dropped to a critical 62 cm, far below the 130 cm level needed for ecological stability. Minister for the Environment László Gajdos announced that the Tisza‑government is preparing a comprehensive Velencei Lake law to address the crisis. In a Facebook post he said a broad dialogue has begun with local environmental NGOs, mayors and water‑management experts. The draft legislation will create legal frameworks for improving water quality, ensuring sustainable water replenishment and fully regulating shoreline development. The lake, one of the country's largest standing bodies of water, last recorded such low levels in August 2022.