In Kherson region, it was proposed to create a nature reserve instead of the Kakhovka reservoir

The majority of Kherson residents want to see something new and useful built on the site of the Kakhovka reservoir. Some support the idea of building modern waterworks, while others are in favor of creating a nature reserve.

This is evidenced by the results of an online survey conducted among respondents by the Kherson Community Foundation "Zakhyst".

Almost two years after the explosion of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, residents of the Kherson community continue to feel the consequences of the disaster.

According to the study, 25% of Kherson residents are still concerned about the situation after the dam's destruction. Among people who have left the community, this figure is even higher. The most painful consequences were the destruction of the Lower Dnipro ecosystem (76%), the destruction of summer cottages (50%) and psychological stress (44%).

The overwhelming majority of respondents do not expect the consequences to be overcome quickly - 43% believe it will take at least 10 years. Only 4% said that the problem has already lost its relevance for them.

Screenshot: Kherson Community Foundation "Zakhyst"

Attitudes toward the restoration of the Kakhovka HPP have also changed. If earlier people mostly supported the idea of full restoration of the plant, now 63% are in favor of creating new hydraulic structures that do not require a large reservoir. At the same time, the number of those who do not consider it expedient to rebuild the hydroelectric power plant at all is growing.

Regarding the new territories that appeared after the reservoir disappeared, Kherson residents most often support two ideas: the creation of a nature park or reserve (53%) and the development of infrastructure for water intake and irrigation (61%). Often these options were chosen simultaneously.

Half of the respondents believe that it is worth creating nature reserve facilities in dangerous areas, including mined and flooded areas. And 86% are interested in what is happening at the bottom of the former Kakhovka Sea.

At the same time, most respondents complain about the lack of information from the authorities: 80% say that the state does not provide enough information about the state of affairs, and 81% say that people lack openness in their plans for the future of these territories.

In parallel with the debate, the government has been working on a project to rebuild the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, which, according to preliminary estimates, could cost about €1.2 billion. However, the reconstruction plans are controversial: some experts believe that it is worth focusing on alternative energy sources, such as placing solar panels at the bottom of the reservoir or creating energy plantations.

Back in June of last year, Ukrhydroenergo presented a project for a temporary hydroelectric facility on the site of the hydroelectric power plant destroyed by the Russians. Meanwhile, environmentalists have recorded a rapid natural recovery of the area: the bottom of the former reservoir has already been overgrown with a unique forest of willow swamps, which covers more than 65,000 hectares-the tallest trees have reached five meters due to fertile soils and a favorable climate.

Анна Бальчінос