A draft government resolution has proposed the conversion of approximately 138 hectares of state forest land for various purposes, including the installation of infrastructure, trails, plantings, sports and leisure facilities, and a solar power plant. According to a press release from the stt, these proposed solutions raise significant concerns regarding potential corruption risks. The stt critique centers on the insufficient justification provided for the necessity of utilizing specific areas of state forestland.
Key procedural concerns highlighted include questions regarding the necessity of the decisions made, the principle of proportionality, and the failure to adequately consider alternative land uses. The assessment focused particularly on the conversion plans in the municipalities of Alytus and Utena, which involve the transformation of substantial forest areas—about 72 hectares and 57 hectares, respectively. The stt noted that the proposed solutions for these locations are presented in a manner deemed abstract, with only a small fraction of the total forest area having clear, specific justification for its proposed use.
For instance, in Utena, the stated justification for the forest conversion was limited to the development of sports and leisure facilities. Overall, the stt suggests that the breadth of the proposed changes, without robust justification for every parcel of land, introduces substantial administrative and financial risks. The body indicated that the process lacks the necessary rigor to ensure that the conversion of valuable state assets is both necessary and proportionate to the stated goals.
Topics: #state #stt #risks
The STT raises concerns regarding potential corruption surrounding the government’s plan to rezone 138 hectares of state forest land.