The Government prepares to prohibit opening or enlargement of economic activities that consume a significant amount of water when the drought emergency is declared, the worst phase of the drought plan. The pre-emergency, a type of transition that will involve measures yet to be specified, is scheduled to be announced next week. But if the water crisis worsens, the emergency will end up being declared (a more than likely scenario, according to the Government).
Several departments are preparing the moratorium that will prevent the opening or expansion of hotel rooms, farms, data centers or chemical plants
It will be then, as EL PERIÓDICO has learned, when This moratorium will come into force which will continue as long as the situation does not improve. But, exactly, what types of activities will this measure limit? The Government does not yet have specific figures on what it means by high water consumption, but it is already clear about some cases that will be affected. For example, you cannot authorize new hotel spacesit cannot be expanded or opened paper industries, metallurgical or data centers, and the growth of farms or the authorization of new livestock cabins. With this decision, the Government intends to close the door to the possibility that the demand for water continues to grow.
It should be said that the Government There is no question of closing or reducing economic activities that are underway or that are already processing an expansion or installation. On the other hand, if a company intends to expand or install a industrya rancher wants to set up a new cabin or a hotel is proposed add bedsyou will not be authorized.
Joint reflection
The measure is being studied after the Executive reflects on the restrictions that have been imposed to date. It is true that farmers and some industries have suffered. And it is very possible that, in a few weeks, water cuts (they already exist in several municipalities) or pressure reductions will be extended. When this happens, the Government wants to prevent them from being only ordinary citizens those who bear these limitations. Hence the decision to limit the growth of economic activities.
The Government intends to prevent citizens from being the only ones to bear the restrictions
The actual Special Drought Plan (PES) is designed for guarantee supply with minimal impact on the economy. However, if it goes so far as to declare an emergency, the Generalitat assumes that the demand for water cannot continue to grow.
For this reason, several Departments are coordinating and are already working on how to apply this moratorium. Could be via decree or through a procedure that has not yet been decided. What is clear is that this measure will not be included in the PES. The only thing that is included in the document is the indication of do not expand animals on farmsto ensure that everyone can be given a drink.
Work in progress
Sources familiar with the conversations assure that between the councilors there is a major concern in the face of the current drought, which is why this solution has been agreed, which should not seriously affect the economy since current activities will not be affected. In fact, when it rains and the scene changes, moratorium will disappear and the door will be reopened to expansions.
In the Government, they are aware that a measure of this magnitude has its consequences, although it is not quantified how many companies of this type usually request extensions or set up shop in Catalonia each month. But still, they are determined to postpone hotel expansions, industries with productive activities, farmsland agricultural or new football fields with the aim of not increasing the demand for water in an emergency situation. In this way, the intensive use of water could be influenced and, in the process, send a clear message to citizens.
Interdepartmental Committee
In the coming weeks the interdepartmental drought committeean organ of which the Catalan Water Agency (ACA) and also several departments, to analyze the situation and take the appropriate measures. In the case of this moratorium, the Department of Climate Action but also the Presidency, Business and Economy will have to intervene.
Related news
Next week the details of the pre-emergency in the Barcelona and Girona area, a scenario in which further restricting the domestic use of water (this is where pressure drops could occur). The idea of this new phase, halfway between exceptionality and emergency, between the amber light and the red light, is to help everyone get involved in saving. The declaration of the emergency, the most drastic step, which would contain this banis delayed a few weeks waiting for events.
To this day, the Administration continues working to ensure the availability of water from wells and new desalination plants. But while the works do not arrive, the main solution to avoid this very serious scenario is the arrival of abundant rains and a decrease in consumption.