The residents of the village of Veliki Crljeni are facing long-term problems—they live in close proximity to a coal mine and the old Kolubara A thermal power plant, which remains operational despite multiple announced closures. Soil and air pollution exceed permitted limits, which is associated with an increase in chronic diseases, increased mortality rates and a significantly reduced quality of life. Despite repeated complaints and lawsuits filed against the operator, the electricity company EPS, no remedial actions or the promised closure of the power plants have been taken. The area also suffers from geological instability caused by coal mining, which threatens the homes and lives of locals, there is a lack of groundwater and the landscape is being irreversibly destroyed. This text highlights the neglect by the state and responsible institutions in addressing this environmental and public health crisis.
The article by Ljiljana Bukvić was originaly published with the support of the project Enhancing the Capacities of Serbian Independent Media in Informing about the Green Transition Challenges by Danas. You can read the original version in Serbian here.
