Ćemovsko Polje in Podgorica has long been a symbol of illegal dumping and an environmental nightmare that just won’t quit. The pollution near the livestock market is not just an eyesore—it’s a ticking time bomb for public health and the entire ecosystem. Damjan Ćulafić, a leading ecologist and director of the Institute for Ecology and Sustainable Development of the North, warns that this mess is more than just ugly—it’s dangerous.
For years, trash piled up, turning Ćemovsko Polje into one of Podgorica’s most endangered spots. But now, thanks to the national “Čuvaj” campaign backed by the European Union, a cleanup operation is underway that might just turn the tide.
This isn’t a solo mission. It’s a full-on team effort involving government bodies, local authorities, NGOs like “Ozelenimo Crnu Goru,” and even the company Voli, which donated park furniture to spruce up the area. Surveillance cameras and warning signs are being installed to stop the illegal dumping once and for all, while municipal inspectors will patrol regularly. EU Ambassador Johan Satler says this is just the beginning—together, we can tackle decades-old environmental problems.
But here’s the million-dollar question: will it work? Will cameras and park benches really stop the reckless dumpers? Or is this just another feel-good campaign destined to fade away? Launched on June 5th, World Environment Day, the “Čuvaj” campaign plans to roll out measures like reducing plastic bag use and educating the youth. But will citizens and officials actually change their habits?
Vuk Vujišić from “Ozelenimo Crnu Goru” insists it’s time to clean up Montenegro and hold polluters accountable. If order can be restored at Ćemovsko Polje, why not across the whole country? This cleanup is a chance to prove we care—but only if we don’t let it become just another empty promise.
Thought illegal dumps were unstoppable? Think again. Jump into the conversation, drop a comment, or just share your two cents—because if we stay silent, the trash keeps piling up and nature keeps suffering.
