Three key goals set for rehabilitating Chernobyl-hit areas in Gomel Oblast

MINSK, 29 April (BelTA) - Dmitry Rutkovsky, head of the main department for Chernobyl accident consequence management at the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee, named three priorities for rehabilitating lands affected by the Chernobyl accident in a new episode of BelTA’s Nation Speaks project.

Dmitry Rutkovsky identified radiation protection and targeted protective measures in agriculture as the first priority. “This includes continuous monitoring of the situation and the implementation of agricultural technologies that guarantee the production of clean products,” he said.

Second is social protection. “People living in these territories must feel the support of the state. They need access to quality medical care, health and rehabilitation programs, adequate nutrition, and all necessary social guarantees,” the department head said.

Third, the driving force of the entire program is the socioeconomic development of the affected regions. “We have already created the basic infrastructure for a comfortable life, but we must continue attracting investment into production. This means new jobs, decent wages, and sustainable local economies that will ensure safe and dignified living conditions for people,” Dmitry Rutkovsky said.

Photos by Maksim Guchek