The parliamentary Audit Committee of the House of representatives said on Thursday that only CHF8 million ($8.4 million) out of a possible CHF60 million in available funds has so far been spent on water protection. The number of projects has been stuck at less than 30 over the last decade.
Measures to combat pollution from agriculture were judged only “partially useful” and fell below the Commission’s expectations.
The Federal Office for the Environment has in particular been urged to be more active and consistent in its approach to protecting groundwater.
The Audit Commission has urged the government to create protected areas for groundwater, apply more consistent sanctions against polluters and to insist on better data from cantons.
Laws to protect groundwater in Switzerland, which were were enacted 25 years’ ago, have yet to be fully applied, the Commission said.
The government has been given a deadline of September 30 to respond to the criticisms.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
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The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
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The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
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In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
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As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
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After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
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A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
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The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
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Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
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Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
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Excess fungicide residues could ‘impair groundwater for years’
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Residues of chlorothalonil, an agricultural fungicide, are still too high in the groundwater from which most drinking water is obtained.
Switzerland and pesticides: Toxic relationship or necessary evil?
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Swiss voters will soon decide if they want an outright ban on synthetic pesticides. Are the claims made by supporters true? A look at the facts.
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