Major Environmental Damage in Larnaca Salt Lake Area Due to Unauthorized Activities of cooking "Ofto"

Significant environmental damage has occurred in the Aliki Larnaca region due to interventions ranging from gravel laying to the installation of an oven for cooking and selling traditional Cypriot dish, “ofto kleftiko.”

The Alpha News program, along with journalist Olga Konstantinou, conducted an on-site inspection at the Orfani Lake, revealing severe violations in the area. Gravel has been laid, and an oven for cooking “ofto kleftiko” has been installed.

Speaking on Alpha News, the Deputy District Secretary of the Larnaca Ecologists Movement, Lefteris Lambrou, stated that they were alerted to the issue on May 23rd. They immediately mobilized, visited the area, obtained photographic evidence, and sent it to the Department of Environment. The Department investigated the case, imposed a €2,000 fine, and will require the responsible parties to restore the area.

“It appears that the individual ignored the entire process of the Department of Environment and last Saturday brought in an oven and started selling ‘ofto,'” Lambrou said.

He emphasized that the area is part of the Natura network, as is the entire region around the Salt Lake, which is gradually being destroyed.

When asked if the area can be restored, he responded positively, provided the gravel is carefully removed. He noted that the penalties imposed are insufficient, resulting in increased audacity.

“The state must, based on its European commitments, proceed with immediate prosecutions and impose severe penalties on anyone who commits violations,” he stressed.