Alona community council requests investigation into water source depletion

The community leader of Alona, Michalis Nikiforou, has formally requested that the Water Development Department investigate the depletion of natural springs in Alona and the wider Pitsilia region. In a letter dated July 2, 2026, the community council emphasized the worsening water crisis despite favorable weather conditions. The council previously raised concerns on July 9, 2025, regarding the 'Vrysi ton Poulion' spring, at which time authorities attributed the issues to drought and low rainfall. However, the community notes that despite significant rainfall in the winter of 2026, the spring dried up again by late May. Local officials now suspect that human activities, such as excessive pumping or new borehole permits, may be contributing to the depletion. The council is calling for an immediate hydrogeological and scientific study to identify the exact causes of the phenomenon. Furthermore, the community demands an update on the situation and proposed solutions to protect the local hazelnut forest and natural heritage. The council maintains that the situation is critical and requires urgent intervention by state authorities.