In Budaörs, Hungary, a significant environmental incident has been reported, involving the destruction of thousands of protected plant species in the vicinity of a Natura 2000 site.

This marked the third occurrence of chemical damage to the area, which is home to numerous valuable and rare species, despite lacking formal protection.

The land is currently classified for development, yet the property owners have been unable to initiate construction due to the ecological significance of the site.

Local environmental activists provided disturbing images showing extensive injury to the vegetation, characterized by large yellowed patches indicating probable chemical treatment, specifically herbicides.

This occurred despite considerable rainfall in the region during April and May, suggesting that the areas affected were subjected to intense chemical exposure rather than natural causes of plant demise.

The damage includes scorched grass, with various plants and even trees appearing burnt.

The environmental damages from this incident could total millions of forints, as the area is known to host a plethora of protected plant species such as spring pasque flower, flax, and various orchids, each with significant conservation value.

It is estimated that the destruction of these plants could incur substantial fines, given that the value of protected flora ranges from five thousand to one hundred thousand forints per specimen, depending on the species.

The Tétényi Plateau, part of the Budai Hills in southern Budapest, spans 1165 hectares and is integral to the EU's Natura 2000 network.

However, significant portions remain unprotected due to regulatory oversights over the decades.

Local authorities had previously considered designating the property as a protected area, but this proposal did not materialize, leading to its classification as buildable land in local zoning regulations.

Since December 2021, the area has been owned by a developer intending to construct a residential complex.

However, construction has repeatedly been halted due to the presence of protected species.

In 2022, local officials noticed illegal clearing activities in the green corridors adjacent to the site, and the Duna-Ipoly National Park Directorate took action to inform the responsible parties of the environmental regulations governing the area.

Despite this, work continued into 2023, prompting further intervention by park authorities and local police.

In June 2023, it was reported that the construction crew proceeded without necessary governmental environmental permits, leading to a halt in activities.

Subsequent assessments revealed that substantial damage had occurred, prompting the park authorities to file a police complaint for environmental degradation.

As of early May 2023, further assessments identified thousands of destroyed protected plants, reaffirming the extensive environmental damage caused.

Authorities have stated the costs associated with this incident could possibly exceed several million forints.

The Budaörs local government, upon inspection, acknowledged the chemical treatment appearing to affect approximately 1.7 hectares of land.

This area is classified for residential development, with plans for construction of up to 76 housing units.

The municipality has stated that no construction has yet commenced due to unresolved access to utilities.

Amid these developments, inquiries to the Pest County Government Office and law enforcement have sought clarity on ongoing investigations and protocols regarding the protection of the site’s biodiversity.

It has been suggested that developers applied for permits to relocate protected species, though some requests were denied due to potential risks to the habitat.

Recent communication indicates that actions are still under review.

The property in question is believed to be owned by Kamara Park Házak Ltd., whose representatives claim being unaware of any recent environmental damage linked to their holdings.

They emphasized ongoing dialogues with governmental bodies concerning the management of natural assets on their property, while expressing concerns over illegal activities such as dumping and vandalism at the site.

Environmental experts have been dispatched to assess the situation, and research into the types of chemical treatments used is underway, pending laboratory analysis.

Increasing scrutiny of the ecological balance in this area signals a rising consciousness regarding the preservation of natural habitats within urban planning frameworks.