Current weather conditions. - Behind Schedule: The Construction of Flood Polders in Bavaria is Slowing Down
The Bavarian state government has already completed two out of the seven major flood retention basins they initially planned to build for safeguarding against severe flooding. The Ministry of Environment in Munich verified this when they responded to an inquiry. Their representative mentioned that the Weidachwiesen polder is currently operative and was recently in use, while the Riedensheim polder is prepared for operation. The spokesperson also noted that these types of initiatives need extensive planning and building processes, resulting in longer completion times. Environment Minister Thorsten Glauber (Free Voters) emphasized the same. The initial intent was to finish all seven polders by 2020, as stated in a 2018 report from the State Environment Agency's flood retention initiative.
However, Free Voters leader Hubert Aiwanger is now facing backlash, as he once campaigned against "large highways" and "gigantic flood retention basins." The 2018 coalition agreement between the CSU and Free Voters saw them remove the planned Danube polders Bertoldsheim and Eltheim/Wörthhof, due to local opposition. As a result, Aiwanger, and the Bavarian government as a whole, are accused of reducing their commitment to flood protection. In 2021, the CSU/FDP coalition reversed this decision and extended the polder plans to nine locations, prompting the allegation that they've neglected flood protection.
Both the Free Voters and Minister President Markus Söder (CSU) have responded to the accusations by declaring them false. Söder affirmed that his government has invested €4 billion in flood protection since 2001, with another €2 billion planned by 2030. Simultaneously, he emphasized a €1 billion annual commitment towards climate protection. Glauber, the Environment Minister (who contrastingly never objected to the polders), highlighted the importance of these flood retention basins, stating, "These polders play a vital role in preventing catastrophic flood disasters."
The reference to 2001 is in relation to the "Flood Action Program 2020" announced by former Environment Minister Werner Schnappauf (CSU). This program aimed at allocating €2.3 billion for flood protection within two decades. However, the state government has actually invested nearly double that amount.
Funds have been utilized to enhance flood protection measures in several communities, relocate dikes, procure fire department equipment, elevate Sylvenstein reservoir dams, and many more efforts.
Regardless, the pace of flood retention basin construction has slowed, despite these being the projects intended to shield Bavaria from the dreaded devastating floods on the Danube. Delays are attributed to strong local resistance. Söder stated bluntly, "Governing is no fun, which is why there needs to be concrete action taken."
In the past two decades, the potential for intense floods has garnered more attention. Munich Re, a reinsurance firm, notes that both the frequency and severity of significant floods are escalating. "This endangers the safety of 120,000 residents along the Danube as well as potential damages exceeding nine billion euros," pointed out Glauber - the Minister responsible for Polders. The nine billion figure represents worst-case scenario calculations from 2018.
The Danube's risk is also intensifying due to the expanding population residing near the river. Between 1994 and 2014, the population here surged by about 10%, with continued growth anticipated through 2034, as per the State Environment Office's report on the Polder Commission.
Many communities situated along the Danube and its tributaries have been allowing construction in flood-prone areas for years. Both ecologists and insurers agree that developing in such hazardous areas is unwise, resulting in substantial financial losses and human suffering. The German Insurance Association (GDV) advocates for a nationwide building ban in such areas. Soeder, however, opposes this.
After losing most of its natural floodplain since the 19th century, the Danube lacks the necessary retention capacity. According to a six-year-old document, "Between Neu-Ulm and Straubing, over 300 million cubic meters of retention capacity have been lost in the last two centuries." Experts at the Environment Office commented that, compared to the Rhine and Elbe, there were already several polders. Therefore, they concluded, "It's prudent to initiate the floodplain program here as quickly as possible."
Among the numerous projects the state government has planned and missed deadlines for, the missed 2020 polder target is just one. The barrier-free Bavaria was promised by 2023, the debt-free Bavaria by 2030, and the whole project was delayed years ago. The goal of constructing 10,000 apartments by Soeder by 2025 is still unachieved, with only a small part of it completed. Ideally transitioning Bavaria to climate neutrality by 2040 is also on the table, a target that experts consider challenging.
