The Mayor of the Municipality of Pljevlja, Dario Vranes, has retracted his initiative to pass resolutions in the local assembly that would have mandated the Government to prohibit agricultural construction in the areas of Kalušići, Potrlica, and Grevo. This was to be done through amendments to the Spatial Plan of the Municipality of Pljevlja, currently under review.

The Mayor noted that his decision was influenced by the desire to incorporate additional locations such as Bakrenjače, Mrzovići, Lijeska, among others.

According to unofficial sources from “Vijesti”, the real reason for the withdrawal seems to be the opposition from some councilors within the ruling coalition, specifically employees from the Coal Mine who do not support this initiative.

Three and a half decades ago, the government designated certain coal deposits off-limits for construction, effectively hindering the development of personal farming initiatives for residents living near the Potrlica mine.

In discussing the proposed resolutions, Vranes explained that the construction ban inhibits rural household growth, leading to population decline in the region.

“Given the slow pace of new mining operations, halting rural household development in this area seems unwarranted. This initiative would positively affect the challenging demographic situation in Pljevlja,” stated Vraneš.

He added that a young couple from Lijeska was eager to establish a larger farm but faced difficulties obtaining urban planning and technical approvals due to the existing construction ban.

A businessman looking to set up a modern dairy farm in Bakrenjače faces the same obstacles, despite claims that coal extraction in that vicinity has ceased for economic reasons.

Resident Dragan Lucic expressed to “Vijesti” that for over thirty-five years, they’ve been unable to fully utilize their properties or grow their households due to this area being classified under a Special Purpose Spatial Plan for Coal Mines.

The planning documentation designates Kalušići for coal extraction; thus, in 1990, a ruling was made to ban all construction of homes, barns, and auxiliary buildings.

Kalušići is located just a few kilometers from the city, adjacent to the Portlica Coal Mine.

“We, the residents of Kalušići, legally own lands that are under a construction ban as part of the Special Purpose Area of the Coal Mine spatial plan. This prohibition has been in effect since 1990, a total of 32 years. Since our land includes both construction and agricultural areas, the restrictions on building or expanding homes for our families, who have lived here due to proximity to the city, greatly diminish the value of our properties and worsen living conditions,” explained Lučić.

Lucic remarked that “the effects of this property value limitation are numerous”.

“Firstly, there’s the housing need for family members, which can’t be met on our own property, compounded by farming restrictions preventing the construction of necessary structures like stables. The value of our property has significantly decreased since no one wishes to purchase it in its current state, even at a substantially reduced price. Engaging in rural tourism or any other agricultural or industrial endeavors has become impossible,” stated Lucić.

He further highlighted that Article 58 of the Constitution of Montenegro guarantees property rights and states that no individual can be deprived or restricted of their property rights unless necessitated by public interest with fair compensation.

Lucic noted that only a third of Kalušići remains untaken by the Coal Mine, with uncertainties regarding when or if the rest will be claimed.

“For all I care, they can leave it as is. If they must take our land, they might as well do it at dawn, as the situation is unbearable and directly harms the locals. There’s constant talk of constructing thermal facades, and we remain uncertain about whether we should proceed with anything, as we don’t know how long we will be here,” concluded Lucić.

News