A Greek tragedy

Is Athens doomed? THE devastating fire which raged
through Greece in July ravaging its precious pine and fir forests, might now
lead to the flooding of capital Athens.
The 3-day fire burnt down forests on
10,000 acres of land to ashes, spelling
doom for the city in its wake; forestry
experts predict repeated
floods and a steady worsening Is Athens
of pollution level for Athens as a result.

The government is, however, hopeful. "The ministry
(environment and public
works) will study antiflooding measures and areas in
need will be supported before
the rains begin," says Costas
Gitonas, the deputy minister
of the department. As far as pollution is
concerned, the citizens of Athens -
which is known to be one of Europe's
most polluted cities - are in a state of
considerable apprehension. "These
forests renewed the air of the city and
dispersed pollution. Their destruction
will surely have an impact and it will
take 20 to 40 years to get them back
laments Nikos Hlikas, a resource person
on forestry studies in Athens.