In the Great Cleanup, basements are cleaned for emergency situations, fight Latvians and organize the underwater world / Article

In the Ogre region, residents are encouraged to arrange their basements for peace of mind and safety, as well as to equip shelters with water supplies, first aid kits and fire extinguishers. The representative of the regional council, Patriks Griva, told Latvian Radio that Ukraine’s example after Russia’s full-scale invasion encouraged us to prepare for the worst scenario, so that it never comes true.

It is useful for everyone to take care of the possibility of a safe shelter for a crisis situation, both in apartment buildings and in private areas, Grieva emphasized. The municipality placed several containers in the city, where residents can place the garbage removed from the basements. In the Ogre region, they plan to pay attention to the installation of shelters in the future as well, and they plan to inspect the equipped premises to make sure they meet the safety requirements.

Fighting the Latvians

Spring is also a good time to combat the latvians, because it is easier to fight the invasive species due to the small size of the plant. Astra Garkāje, senior inspector of the Plant Quarantine Department of the State Plant Protection Service, emphasized that it is very important to take care of one’s own safety in combating the Latvian plant. Therefore, it is necessary to choose appropriate clothing and work gloves that do not allow the sap of the plant, which causes burns, to pass through.

One of the most effective methods is to use a shovel to poke the root of the latvania to a depth of 5-10 centimeters and compost the collected plants, carefully covering them with a black film. The fight against Latvians was held for the first time in the large taluk last year, and the results are very good in several places, as Latvians have decreased both in the density and height of plant distribution, said Garkāje. However, it should be taken into account that the complete eradication of Latvians will take several years.

Recommendations for the destruction of Latvians

The river is being cleaned in Jelgava

Meanwhile, an underwater cleanup will take place in the Driksna River in Jelgava to clear the bottom of various wastes. Underwater cleanup coordinator Shota Plijevs told Latvian Radio that the cleanup crews will try to clear the river bed of the waste that has been thrown there over the years, including bottles and their boxes, car wheels, mattresses and sunken boats.

To remove heavier waste, the haulers will use a car winch. Pliev admitted that the test in underwater work will be a strong current and limited visibility in murky water close to zero. However, underwater rescuers will try to do their job. About 20 divers applied for the rescue, and underwater hunters will also participate.

Livanis addresses young people

On the other hand, in Līvāni, young people were especially invited to the more active Great taluk, in order to continue beautifying the shore of Lake Līvāni. Various relays and competitions are also planned, including a “sorting athlon” teaching how to properly sort waste, said Marija Driksna, head of the multi-functional youth initiative center “Kvartāls” in Līvāni region. A proper party is also planned after work.

As usual, there are both clean-up and beautification cleanings, and everyone has the opportunity to apply for solo cleanings, in which you should especially think about delivering garbage bags to the designated places.

1138 places to be cleaned have been applied for the big cleanup in 2024. Anyone can take a look at the talkas.lv map and choose their cleaning location.