Mirusha River dam removal begins in Kosovo

The environmental organization Ecopana has announced the commencement of work to remove a dam on the Mirusha River in Kosovo. This initiative aims to restore the river's natural flow, marking the first time such a dam removal project has been undertaken in the country.

According to Ecopana, the existing dam is in a degraded state and obstructs natural water flow while causing the accumulation of water and sediment. This buildup has raised safety concerns for local residents due to the increased risk of flooding. The project is being conducted in accordance with a decision by the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning to remove outdated river barriers.

The Mirusha River is noted for its significant biodiversity, including the spider species Eratigena mirusha. Following the removal of the dam, Ecopana plans to work on restoring the riverbed and monitoring the area. The project is supported by the Open Rivers Programme, and the experience gained is expected to inform future river interventions across Kosovo.