HIBAPRESS – A. Mahyaoui
In a move reflecting stricter monitoring of pollution sources, the governor of Moulay Yacoub province supervised a field intervention on Wednesday to stop an activity considered in violation of environmental regulations, at regional road No. 5013 in the Jnan Sais area, within the territorial jurisdiction of the municipality of Oulad Ayyad.
This move came after the observation of pollution indicators resulting from the waste of olive presses, known locally as "Marjan" and "Fitour", where an urgent procedure was activated in coordination between various specialized departments. The mixed committee included representatives from the local administrative authority, the Urban Planning and Environment Department of the province, the Sebou Water Basin Agency, the Regional Directorate of the Environment, in addition to elements of the Royal Gendarmerie in charge of environmental police. According to the available data, the inspection resulted in the exploitation of a real estate container with an estimated area of about one hectare as a site for collecting and drying olive press waste, based on a lease agreement that had expired. The accumulation of quantities of the "Fitour" material on unprepared land was also recorded, in addition to the formation of a water pond resulting from the mixing of rainwater with the "Marjan" material, which could pose risks to the soil and the water table. Following that, immediate measures were taken, which consisted of stopping the activity in question, starting to drain the accumulated water and purify the site, while preparing legal records against those concerned, in application of the legislative provisions in force, especially Law No. 36.15 related to water, which regulates the protection of water resources and criminalizes all forms of pollution that affect them. This intervention comes within the context of a regional policy that aims to enhance environmental vigilance and address all practices that may harm natural balances. The governor of the province is known for adopting a field approach based on direct follow-up and tight coordination between the various interveners, with emphasis on the strict application of the law within the framework of respecting the procedures in force. According to local affairs followers, this process confirms that environmental protection has become a priority within the territorial management of the province, by combining prevention and deterrence mechanisms, which enhances the conditions for sustainable development that takes into account the preservation of natural resources and ensuring their safety for future generations.
