Pasha Dere illegal settlement uncovered during inspection

An interagency commission has uncovered an illegal settlement consisting of numerous tents, caravans, and vehicles in the Pasha Dere area near Varna, Bulgaria. The inspection was ordered by Regional Governor Mario Smurkov and included representatives from the police, forestry directorate, environmental inspection, fire department, and the Avren Municipality.

The settlement was located within forest territories and parts of the protected Liman area. Authorities issued removal orders to owners of objects located within the Avren Municipality, setting a deadline of August 23. However, no such notices could be issued for illegal structures on Varna Municipality land due to the absence of local administration representatives during the inspection.

Milen Iliev, chief expert in the Regional Administration, noted that owners remain subject to sanctions under forestry and Black Sea coast management laws. Iliev also highlighted the issue of environmental pollution, as municipalities are often forced to use their own funds to clean up waste and temporary structures left behind by illegal campers.