The renovation of "Oplchenska" continues, but so do the protests, BNT reported. Residents of the area disagree with the part of the project that requires cutting down 39 trees between 30 and 60 years old.
Stolichna municipality explained that the repair is extremely important because it will renew and modernize the outdated water supply network.
An option was also discussed in which the trees would be uprooted and planted elsewhere, but the renovation project does not allow it.
In place of the cut trees, 103 new ones will be planted. Nevertheless, the residents of the area continued to protest today.
"We don't need more cars and more boulevards. It has been talked about for a long time in Bulgaria, and it is already being done all over Europe - that old boulevards should be landscaped and that more greenery should be brought into the cities", said Vera Stanevska, organizer of the protest.
"We're just fighting for a breath of air because you see how heavy the traffic is, how much dust there is, how much exhaust fumes. These trees save us," added Emilia Milanova, a protester.
"The trees fall within the territory of the street network on the one hand, but also under them will be built this extremely important water supply network. So, if we go under the trees we have no way to keep them intact and their root system will be disturbed. Accordingly, the safety of citizens will be compromised. 39 trees will be cut down, but more importantly, 50 new trees will be planted along the street, and 53 new trees will be planted nearby. After the end and completion of the repair, the boulevard will be greener than it is at the moment", Ivan Vasilev, deputy mayor of "Public Works", also said.