Sofia prepares its riverbeds for winter: large-scale cleaning campaign launched

With the onset of colder weather, Sofia is preparing for potential flooding. The Sofia Municipality has announced the start of a planned campaign to clean riverbeds, covering 170 sections within the city.

The program is large-scale – over 81 kilometers of river routes will be processed. For this purpose, 1.2 million euros have been secured. This year, the scope is larger than in previous years – the sections are 15% more than last year and a quarter more compared to 2023.

According to the Mayor of the capital, Vasil Terziev, these actions are a key preventive measure. The goal is to ensure that riverbeds remain passable, which will protect the city from flash floods and help preserve the environment.

Work begins on the Vladayska River (Acad. Ivan Geshov Blvd. area) and the Kakach River (Vrăbnitsa area). In the coming days, teams will move towards the Perlovska River, the drains of the Southern Ring Road, the Baniska River in "Mladost", the Suhodolska River in "Ilianden", and the Dragalevska River in "Lozenets".

Special attention will be paid to high-risk zones. This includes the ravines along Planinets and Pancharitsa streets in the Vitosha district, the Adzhibaritsa River in "Studentski", the Novachitsa River in "Izgrev", and the Boyana Stream.

Activities include the removal of wild shrubs and dangerous trees, as well as mechanized cleaning of sediment and waste, which will be transported to licensed landfills. The campaign is expected to conclude by the end of the year.