2024-07-08 05:09:14
Genadijus Zbarauskas, chairman of the board of the Šilalė branch of the Lithuanian Hunters and Fishermen’s Society, testified that the community is not clear why the polygons were needed so suddenly, and why there is a rush to start their establishment.
“There will be no heavy machinery, so why do we need that training ground?” After all, even now, various exercises are successfully taking place in the forests, and nothing is bothering the soldiers now. Why did they need that training ground, and even more so in an emergency?” – commented the hunter to Elta.
He was seconded by the chairman of the Tauragė Hunters and Fishermen’s Association, Kęstutis Balašaitis, who says he does not understand why the Tauragė district needs even two training grounds. He said that he would ask for an explanation from the government representatives and shared that if the government’s communication is poor, the community may even suspect corruption.
“There is an opinion in the Tauragiški community that the government wants to push the polygon project as soon as possible so that the contract work can be performed by companies of their choice,” said the hunter.
According to him, the suspicions are strengthened by the fact that the most beautiful forest area, just 3 kilometers from the city, was chosen from all the territories of Tauragė, instead of the state forests and hunting grounds located towards Jurbarkas.
“We want to set up a training ground in the most beautiful forest near the city of Tauragė, it is constantly full of vacationers, right next to the new city cemetery, pedestrian paths should be made there. A state nature reserve is nearby. Why rush into the most beautiful forest?” asked K. Balašaitis.
The hunting community said they miss clear communication with government officials. Genadijus Zbarauskas noticed traces of discrimination in the words of Minister L. Kasčiūnas that it will be possible for mushroom pickers and berry pickers to enter the territory of the polygon, but hunting will not be possible.
“As I understand it, the word of the hunters is in the last place. If mushroom pickers are people, then hunters are not people. The hunters’ society is the largest organization in Lithuania, uniting 30 thousand people, and you need to read it,” said the hunter.
He was seconded by K. Balašaitis, who promised to raise the issue of discrimination against hunters to Minister L. Kasčiūnas. According to him, the government should look for points of contact, and not to turn hunting communities against it.
“Let me ask you, what can a hunter mess with?” After all, a hunter is a person who must have an impeccable reputation. But the police don’t allow anyone to carry a weapon,” he complained.
However, the biggest concern for the community of Tauragė and Šilalė is the issue of deforestation. Giedrius Baciuška, a businessman from the Tauragė region, raised the question of what Minister L. Kasčiūnas meant when he used this word.
“8 million for deforestation. What does this mean? Forests will not be cut down, but deforestation will take place. Deforestation can mean that the purpose of the forest itself will be changed. What does this mean for all forest owners who fall into that area? They will be “spoiled”, said G. Baciuška.
The representative of Tauragė hunters, Kęstutis Balašaitis, also said that he is preparing to ask L. Kasčiūnas what is hidden under the word deforestation. According to him, the emerging uncertainty only strengthens the fears of the residents about the fate of the forest, who demand a more specific presentation of plans.
“When we cut a forest, we get wood that has value. Why do you need to waste a few million? I don’t understand it,” he was afraid.
Businessman Giedrius Baciuška said that the construction of a training ground in the favorite recreation areas of the residents, just 3 kilometers away from Tauragė, will make the city unattractive to live in. According to the businessman, the situation of the inhabitants of the countryside of Tauragė, which is located on the border of the polygon, will also change, the peace of the city’s crazy people will be disturbed by the sounds and sights of military maneuvers.
“I want to emphasize. We understand the importance to national security and that’s not what we’re talking about. The wrong place was chosen. 3 kilometers from Tauragė. Where in the world has it been seen that landfills are being built 3 kilometers from the city?” – shared the businessman.
G. Baciuška missed the Ministry of National Defense’s dialogue with business and society and said he wanted to hear from Minister L. Kasčiūnas what added value the training ground would bring to the region. According to him, Tauragė, which is currently one of the top 100 green cities in Europe, risks losing this attractiveness if the forests entering the polygon territory are cut down, and the exercises taking place in the polygons cause noise and climate pollution.
“How does this relate to greenness, to ecology?” We are considering reducing CO2 emissions, closing streets, power plants, but suddenly we want to establish a landfill – how does this relate to ecology?” he asked.
However, the community has hope that disagreements will be resolved during the meeting with Minister L. Kasčiūnas. Kęstutis Balašaitis said that his hunting association has already established a dialogue with the Lithuanian army and is preparing questions for it, while businessman G. Baciuška assured that no one doubts the need to take care of the state’s security – it is only about avoiding unnecessary damage.
According to the data of the Ministry of National Defense, the polygon will occupy 4304 hectares of area in Tauragė district, 2677 hectares in Šilalė. It is planned to start the construction of landfills in autumn.
The motorized infantry battalion of Grand Duke Kęstutis of Lithuania operates in Tauragė district, and the artillery battalion of Brigadier General Motiejaus Petiulionis operates in Šilalė district.
2024-07-08 05:09:14