Styrian Greens propose 13 measures to address water shortages

The Styrian Greens have submitted a 13-point proposal to the state parliament to address water shortages caused by heat, drought, forest fires and crop failures, ORF reported.

The measures aim to retain rainwater in the landscape for as long as possible instead of allowing it to run off, said Sandra Krautwaschl, parliamentary group leader of the Greens. She called for more water storage, improved use of rainwater and better preparation for future droughts.

The Greens are seeking a state programme focused on natural water retention, renaturation and climate change adaptation. Their proposals include storage ponds, the restoration of rivers and floodplains, and technical improvements to drinking water infrastructure.

They also called for the protection and restoration of moors, wetlands and floodplains, as well as funding and simplified approval procedures for agricultural storage ponds. The Greens want forests to be strengthened in a climate-resilient way so they can retain more water.

The proposal also calls for suitable locations for water storage and renaturation measures to be identified across the state, with long-term funding secured.