In the picturesque region of Bruntál, Czech Republic, a long-debated project is finally gaining momentum. The Nové Heřminovy dam, a massive undertaking with a price tag of over eight billion crowns, is set to begin construction within the next three years. Agriculture Minister Marek Výborný announced that the project could commence as early as 2026, with 2027 as the latest start date.
This announcement follows devastating floods that ravaged the area just three weeks ago. The dam, designed to protect Krnov, Opava, and other towns along the Opava River, has been a topic of discussion for decades. Its absence during the recent catastrophe has only underscored its potential value.
However, the path to construction has been far from smooth. Environmental organizations like Children of the Earth and Friends of the Earth have filed appeals against the dam’s zoning decision, arguing that it’s not the right solution. These groups point to alternative measures, such as setback levees, which they claim could have been implemented years ago.
The project has also faced opposition from within. In 2008, residents of Nové Heřminovy voted against the dam in a local referendum. But times are changing. According to Mayor Michaela Hermanová, the town’s demographic shift may lead to a different outcome in a new referendum, which she plans to hold as soon as the village recovers from the recent flood damage.
Minister Výborný acknowledges the state’s failure to construct the dam sooner and is pushing for legal reforms to expedite crucial public-interest projects. Meanwhile, flood protection measures are being accelerated not only on the Opava River but also on its tributary, the Opavice.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the Nové Heřminovy dam represents more than just flood protection. It’s a symbol of the ongoing struggle between progress and preservation and a testament to the complex challenges faced by communities in an era of climate change.