New struggle for canyons and rivers and against hydroelectric power plants is about to start - in Banja Luka

Take a look at the Vrbas river these days. Powerful, green river, its canyon Tijesno is magnificent, the members of SFOR practice paragliding and ride mountain bikes.

Aleksandar Pastir is the leader of newly-formed Coalition for Vrbas, the organization that, according to estimates, is supported by at least 50,000 citizens of Banja Luka. The protection of river and wild canyon mobilized the citizens of Banja Luka. 20,000 of them have already signed petition for defending of nature from – the dam. Namely, National Assembly of RS has adopted the draft of the contract on concession, which implies construction of two hydroelectric power plants on the Vrbas river with powers of 37.2 and 48.5 MW. The concession refers to the period of five years for drawing of plans and 25 years of exploitation.

According to ecologists, the forming of artificial accumulations would increase humidity in Banja Luka, which would result in frequent fogs and would completely disturbed mental and physical health of the citizens. Hydroelectric Power Plants are built in the area that is very often exposed to the earthquakes. In case of the dam break, the wave could destroy all the cities and settlements located downstream.

Aleksandar Pastir holds pleas on conspiracy of politicians and big companies that want to control wilderness. One of the best natural routes for rafting on the continent may be destroyed, although, in June 2005, the Vrbas river will be host of the European Championship for crews with four rowers. Pastir and his fellows founded club ``Kanjon`` and became members of the world rafting organization. The only thing that everybody waits for is the landing of special forces of ``Greenpeace``. Over 40 NGOs support boatmen on the wild rivers in the war against the big corporations that want to take control over the Vrbas.