They are still assessing the damage around Rikavac Lake.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not yet completed the procedure for determining environmental damage for activities carried out by the Agency for the Management of Protected Areas of the Capital City of Podgorica (AUZP) in part of the Komovi Nature Park, on Rikavac Lake.

This was told to "Vijesti" by the state EPA.

In the meantime, as they told the editorial staff, they have given the Rikavac management permission for works and activities to fill in the canal near Rikavac Lake, in order to return the terrain around the lake to its original condition.

"The applicant is obliged to carry out the relevant actions and activities according to the issued permit without the use of heavy machinery and in the presence of an environmental inspector," the EPA told the editorial staff.

Activities in the immediate vicinity of Rikavac Lake were carried out in September, at a time when the acting director was Stojan SjekloćSjekloća was appointed acting director in early June. In mid-October, he was dismissed, when he was replaced by the acting director of the AUZP. Dalibor Zecevic.

In mid-September, "Vijesti" reported that works were being carried out on Rikavac and Bukumir Lakes, as part of the "Komovi" Nature Park. The EPA said at the time that some of the works, such as the installation of control boxes for rangers, were foreseen in the Management Plan and Program, that approval had been given for these works, but that the EPA had no other jurisdiction.

The Environmental Protection Agency told "Vijesti" at the time that, if other activities are being implemented in that area, it is necessary for an environmental inspection to go to the field.

At Rikavac Lake, the AUZP recently installed benches and trash cans, work has begun on installing a control box, and locals have also pointed out that a canal has been dug. The then acting executive director of the AUZP, Stojan Sjekloća, also announced the construction of a public toilet.

"On September 10, 2025, an inspection was carried out on Lake Rikavac in the protected area zone, the 'Komovi' Nature Park, in connection with the initiative to carry out an inspection of the katunjani from Lake Rikavac. According to the initiative to carry out an inspection, the AUZP dug a canal on the shore of the lake, to perform concreting for the ramp, they installed benches and trash cans and expressed concern about the inaccessibility of the terrain, how this waste will be transported to the city and containers," the inspection showed at the time, after which the EPA initiated the procedure for determining environmental damage.

During the inspection, Sjekloća also stated that the works were carried out with the aim of providing the best possible conditions for visitors, tourists who come every year, and that the canal was dug to redirect the water so that it would not undermine the toilet.

He also said that the work was carried out during the construction of the infrastructure for the ranger's lodge, using a machine that was on the ground, and that this significantly affected the cost and efficiency of the work, that the AUZP administration did not effectively monitor the progress of the work, and that it did not secure the EPA permit for the public toilet on time.

According to the minutes of the inspection, as previously reported by "Vijesti", Sjekloća then said that this omission would be corrected and that he would immediately submit a request to the EPA to obtain a permit for a public toilet and seek a statement - permission to fill the canal with excavated material as soon as possible, in order to rehabilitate the location in question.

The Ranger House is planned by the Temporary Facilities Plan for the Municipality of Podgorica for the period from 2020 to 2024, for which the AUZP has been granted permission.

According to the Program for the "Komovi" Park for 2025, it is planned to determine a location for setting up a campsite, an open fire pit and a barbecue at Rikavac Lake.

After monitoring Lake Rikavac, the inspection suggested additional research, because due to the long dry period, a significant drop in the water level, the appearance of scum on the surface, and the growth of vegetation around the lake's edge were noted.

It was also suggested that information and warning signs be placed at that location about the importance of preserving the lake and its ecosystem, that access controls for motor vehicles be introduced in the immediate vicinity of the lake, and that water quality be increased.