Property demolitions at Gazivode Lake

Demolitions of structures on the shores of Gazivode Lake have commenced following deadlines set by the enterprise Ibar-Lepenac. The company maintains that the buildings were constructed on land belonging to the enterprise. Initial operations in the Rezala village area resulted in the demolition of approximately 17 structures owned by Serbs, including holiday homes and a chapel. Kosovo Police have been deployed to the site to assist the Ministry of Environment, Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure, at times blocking access to prevent media coverage.

The Office for Kosovo and Metohija has condemned the actions as illegal and a violation of Serbian rights. While some owners have initiated lawsuits, courts have rejected requests for temporary measures to halt the demolitions.

Operations have since expanded to the Međeđi Potok area of Zubin Potok, where heavy machinery is being used to remove holiday homes. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development stated that these structures were built without authorization on state-managed land and that their removal is necessary to protect the environment and the sanitary protected zone of the water source. Some property owners are contesting the actions, citing existing contracts with the enterprise Srbijašume.