Starting on April 1st, landowners in Greece are legally required to clean their plots and submit a declaration via the official gov.gr platform. This measure, implemented by the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, aims to prevent wildfires during the upcoming fire season.
Penalties for Failing to Clean Land or Submit the Declaration
Landowners who neglect to comply with these requirements will face penalties. The consequences include:
A €1,000 fine for failing to submit the plot cleaning declaration to the National Register.
Up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to €54,000 for submitting a false declaration.
If the cleaning is not performed, the municipality will clean the plot at the owner’s expense.
Exemptions from Cleaning Requirements
Landowners with well-maintained gardens or landscaped spaces around buildings, apartment complexes, or other properties are exempt from the cleaning requirements.
Deadline for Compliance: What is the Timeline?
The cleaning of plots is mandatory from April 1st to April 30th each year. Additionally, landowners must maintain these cleaned areas throughout the fire season, which runs from May 1st to October 31st. The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection intends to complete all procedures within April to ensure readiness for the fire season.
How to Submit the Plot Cleaning Declaration
Landowners must submit their cleaning declaration through the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection’s official online platform at: https://akatharista.apps.gov.gr. The platform will be open starting April 1st.
Who is Required to Clean Their Plot?
According to Fire Regulation No. 20/2024 (Government Gazette 2695/B’/09-05-2024), the following groups are responsible for cleaning plots:
Owners, users, usufructuaries, tenants, and subtenants of uncovered plots and spaces in:
Approved city plans.
Areas within settlement boundaries without an approved city plan.
Plots located within a 100-meter radius of the above areas, upon approval from the forestry department.
Out-of-plan plots with buildings that do not fall under forest law regulations.
Plot Cleaning Guidelines and Steps
To comply, landowners must undertake the following cleaning activities:
Cut and remove dry or broken trees, branches, and those in direct contact with buildings.
Remove combustible materials like dry leaves, grass, and fallen branches from the ground.
Prune tree canopies by increasing the base height and clearing the lower branches, according to the tree’s species and age.
Thin out dense shrubbery that may cover the ground and pose a fire risk.
Dispose of flammable or hazardous materials and other waste in a responsible manner.
Transport cleaning residues to a licensed disposal site, avoiding dumping in public spaces or mixing them with household waste.
As the fire season approaches, it is crucial for landowners to fulfill their responsibility of cleaning their plots to help prevent wildfires. By following the outlined regulations and submitting the necessary declarations on time, property owners not only avoid penalties but also contribute to public safety and environmental protection. Failure to comply can lead to serious legal consequences, including hefty fines and even imprisonment. Therefore, it is in every landowner’s best interest to act promptly and ensure their plots are properly cleaned and maintained.
