Kosovo authorities have ordered the closure of the “Liqeni i Dukagjinit” restaurant and hotel operating within the protected area of Radoniq Lake, citing serious violations of environmental legislation and risks to the safety of drinking water.
Acting Environment and Spatial Planning Minister Fitore Pacolli announced the closure, saying the establishment had been operating in violation of laws governing the protection of water resources and sanitary zones around the lake.
“The Environmental Inspectorate has ordered the closure of the restaurant and hotel ‘Liqeni i Dukagjinit,’ located in the protected area of Radoniq Lake, which has operated in complete violation of environmental legislation,” Pacolli said.
According to Pacolli, the operator has been given 10 days to remove equipment from the property, while the regional water utility KRU “Gjakova” has been instructed to ensure that the order is implemented.
Pacolli said the activity constituted a serious violation of Kosovo’s Water Law, Government Decision 09/127 establishing sanitary protection zones around Radoniq Lake, and other relevant regulations.
She warned that the activity posed a direct risk to the safety and quality of drinking water supplied from the reservoir.
Investigation into possible official misconduct
Pacolli said the ministry has requested a full investigation into the circumstances that allowed the activity to operate in the protected area and into the officials who may have been responsible.
“This includes investigating the actions of former responsible officials who may have abused their positions to allow this situation,” she said.
The minister emphasized that protecting drinking-water sources and reservoirs is both a legal obligation and a responsibility toward Kosovo’s citizens.
The closure comes amid renewed scrutiny of activities around protected water resources and concerns over compliance with environmental and public-health regulations.
Pacolli said the government would continue to enforce protections for Kosovo’s water resources without exceptions.
