Restoration of the Petrusse riverbed begins in Luxembourg
Nitish Kadam, Unsplash
Luxembourg has launched an ambitious project to restore the Pétrusse River, which will last at least two and a half years. The main objective is to return the river to its natural appearance, improving biodiversity and flood protection.
The renovation plan includes removing concrete walls that cannot withstand the water pressure and slowing down the current to reduce the risk of flooding. From Pont Adolphe to Rue de la Semois, the river will be given a new natural appearance, which so far only exists in draft form.
One controversial phase is the felling of 56 trees, many of which are already in poor condition. In return, more new trees will be planted than cut down, including plum trees and large trees.
Luxembourg specialists are confident that the project is already showing its first successes. In one of the restored sections of the river, small fish have replaced leeches, and in the future, trout are planned to be released into the Petrusse.
Alderman Maurice Bauer (CSV) emphasises that the environmental projects will not be limited to the current project. Plans include the restoration of the river beyond the Hollerich district and the cleaning of the Alzette river. In addition, the city is continuing to separate sewage and storm water runoff to eliminate river pollution.
