Entertainment · Books & Arts · 14 hrs ago
Vajont water reuse proposal divides local leaders and survivors
Marco Paolini has proposed using water from the Vajont stream as a reserve for farming and public needs.
The stream is linked to the 1963 Vajont disaster, when a landslide sent a wave over the dam and killed 1,917 people.
The proposal has reopened debate in the area around Longarone and Erto and Casso, in northern Italy.
Longarone’s mayor says private use of the water is not acceptable but is open to discussing public use if it is technically possible.
Erto and Casso’s mayor supports a water reserve, saying it could help farming, produce electricity and bring tourism and income.
A separate plan by Welly Red would invest 12 million euros in a small hydroelectric plant, but a retired University of Padua engineering professor strongly opposes using the water, calling the valley a memorial to those who died.
Local views remain divided, and the proposal’s technical feasibility still needs to be assessed.
Marco Paolini has proposed using water from the Vajont stream as a reserve for agriculture and civilian use.
The proposal has divided local leaders and prompted objections that the water should remain a memorial to the 1,917 people killed in the 1963 disaster.
Erto and Casso Mayor Antonio Carrara supports a water reserve and says it could also produce hydroelectricity and benefit tourism.
Longarone Mayor Roberto Padrin says public use could be discussed but rejects private use, while hydraulic engineering professor Luigi D’Alpaos opposes using the water.
A separate plan by Welly Red of Sacile would invest €12 million in a hydroelectric plant.
- Who
- Marco Paolini proposed reusing the water. Local leaders, survivors and professor Luigi D’Alpaos have expressed differing views.
- What
- The proposal is to use Vajont stream water for agriculture and civilian needs; a separate plan would build a hydroelectric plant.
- When
- The proposal was raised around the anniversary of the disaster on 9 October. The article was published on 11 October 2026.
- Where
- The Vajont stream and dam area, in northern Italy; the article discusses impacts in Veneto and Friuli.
- Why
- Supporters cite water supply, energy production and economic benefits. Opponents say the water should be treated as a memorial to the disaster’s victims.
Antonio Carrara and other supporters
Luigi D’Alpaos and opponents of water reuse
Water reuse
Antonio Carrara and other supporters
A water reserve could serve agriculture and civilian needs.
Luigi D’Alpaos and opponents of water reuse
Any use would disrespect the dead and the site’s memorial role.
Hydroelectricity
Antonio Carrara and other supporters
Carrara says a plant could generate power and bring revenue to Erto.
Luigi D’Alpaos and opponents of water reuse
D’Alpaos opposes using the water and says the tragedy’s lessons and victims’ dignity must come first.
We cannot sleep on the rubble.
I consider any proposal to use the water of Vajont idiotic.
The private use of Vajont water is not conceivable but if it is a public use, let’s discuss it.
The Vajont disaster killed 1,917 people after a landslide sent water over the dam.
The possibility of using the water had already been considered, according to Padrin.
Paolini proposed using Vajont stream water as a reserve for agriculture and civilian use.
Corriere della Sera reported that local leaders were divided over the proposal and a hydroelectric plant plan.
- Disaster death toll
- 1,917 people
- Disaster date
- 9 October 1963
- Landslide material
- 270 million cubic metres of rock and debris
- Proposed plant investment
- €12 million
- Company behind plant plan
- Welly Red of Sacile
Sources
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