In reference to yesterday’s report published in the media, we would like to clarify that a case has already been opened in the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office (ODT) in Cetinje to ascertain the elements of a criminal offense for which prosecution is undertaken ex officio. An investigation is currently being conducted, involving all necessary measures and actions in collaboration with the Cetinje Security Department (OB) and the relevant inspections, as announced today by the National Parks of Montenegro (NPCG).

According to the NPCG statement, “After completing expert assessments and receiving feedback from the responsible inspections, the state prosecutor will determine the legal classification of the criminal offense.”

Furthermore, it is important to note that the construction of floating bungalows has been occurring since October 2024 without the requisite documentation and permits from the appropriate state authorities. These structures gained public attention previously when they floated uncontrollably on Lake Skadar on two occasions due to storms. To mitigate any negative impact on biodiversity, the Skadar Lake National Park Protection Service secured these structures, as stated by the NPCG.

The NPCG has reported that several notifications regarding these unauthorized facilities have been submitted to the Cetinje Communal Inspection, the Environmental and Construction Inspection, and the Maritime Safety Inspection.

In this context, the Skadar Lake National Park urges all state authorities to take necessary actions within their jurisdiction to preserve the Karuč Eye and combat illegal construction in this protected natural area, as indicated in the NPCG statement.

Yesterday, the NPCG revealed that the Skadar Lake NP Protection Service received a notification from the residents of Karuč about the ongoing construction of illegal floating structures in the Karuč bay.

The NPCG emphasized that the construction of these facilities has been taking place since October 2024 without obtaining the required documentation and permits from the relevant state authorities.

Moreover, these structures drew public scrutiny when they floated freely on Lake Skadar during two storm events. On both occasions, the Skadar Lake NP Protection Service intervened to prevent detrimental effects on biodiversity, securing the structures and returning them to the Karuč area. The Skadar Lake NP has filed numerous reports concerning these illegal structures to the Cetinje Municipal Inspection, the Police Directorate, the ODT, the Environmental and Construction Inspection, and the Maritime Safety Inspection. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, all inspections found themselves unable to proceed, declaring themselves incompetent in this matter, the NPCG reported yesterday.

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