Tinja River pollution sparks ecological crisis in Špionica

Residents of Špionica, near Srebrenica, are reporting severe and long-term pollution of the Tinja River. Locals claim that untreated or insufficiently treated wastewater, including fecal matter and hygiene products like wet wipes, is being discharged into the river. They describe the situation as an ‘ecocide,’ noting that the pollution has decimated local wildlife, including fish, beavers, otters, and wild ducks.

The environmental crisis is accompanied by a water supply crisis in the neighboring villages of Podorašje and Tinja, where some households have been without water for several days. Residents state they have been filing reports and complaints with inspections since 2022, but claim that authorities have failed to take meaningful action.

Local community members have expressed deep concern regarding the proximity of the pollution to a school used by children daily. Due to the lack of response from institutions, residents are considering organizing protests to demand water quality analysis and immediate measures to protect the river and public health.