Concerns about the continuous blastings in the quarries of Marathi

Ελληνικά

The Friends of Paros & Antiparos want to draw attention to a critical issue affecting the residents of Marathi and the ancient quarries. The Cultural and Recreational Association of Marathi “Agios Minas” has expressed serious concerns about the continuous blasting activities in the modern quarries next to the ancient marble quarries of Marathi. These activities, possibly related to the increased building activity on the island, pose significant risks to both the local community’s property and the structural integrity of the historic Nymphs quarry tunnels. We share with you the full text of the letter addressed to the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades by the NGO “Park of the Ancient Quarries“, urging immediate action to protect our invaluable cultural heritage. We stand united with the residents of Marathi in advocating for the cessation of these disruptive activities. 

The Friends of Paros & Antiparos

To the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades
Epaeminondas 10
Athens 10555

Notification:

1. Mayor of Paros Mr. K. Bizas
2. Prefect of Paros Mr V. Petropoulos
3. Leader of the Main Minority Mr M. Kovaios
4. Minority Leader Mr K. Roconidas
5. Cultural and Recreational Association of Marathi “Agios Minas”

A.P. 1/2024

Paros, 08/04/2023

SUBJECT: Document of the Cultural and Recreational Association of Marathi “Agios Minas” (A.I. 1/12-2-2024)

Dear Mr. Director,

We have received a document from the Cultural and Recreational Association of Marathi of Paros “Agios Minas” addressed to your Service, which records the strong concerns of the residents of the Marathi area about the explosions that take place in the area of the modern quarries operating in the neighbouring area. These blasts, as stated in the document, create severe nuisances and risks to the integrity of residents’ property. Beyond this, however, as rightly pointed out in the same document, they are of particular concern for the stability of the underground tunnels of the Nymphs quarry, which, as recent relevant studies have shown, have significant problems with visible risks of failure.

As a civil society organization of Paros, with the protection and promotion of the Ancient Marble Quarries in Marathi as its statutory purpose, the AMKE expresses its strong concern about the reported continuous blasting and the dangers that these pose to the monument and joins with all those collective bodies and the citizens of Paros, so that all necessary measures are taken immediately to stop the blasting, and all works that create safety problems in the galleries.

We expect that your Service, as the responsible body for the protection of the Ancient Quarries in Marathi, will take the necessary actions in time to address this problem. At the same time, we would like to note our availability for any assistance in this matter.

Yours sincerely
For the Board of Directors