The recent decision of Bulgaria’s cabinet to a give green light to building a second gondola lift in the mountain resort of Bansko has been discussed at a meeting today by Minister of Environment Neno Dimov, Mayor of the resort Georgi Ikonomov and a representative of the Initiative Committee for Development of the Bansko Ski Area, it was reported

The decision has sparked new protests by environmentalists last evening in Sofia as people fear that allowing construction of the lift would lead to felling of century-old trees in the protected area of the Pirin National Park.

In the city of Stara Zagora people also gathered spontaneously to protest against the decision for construction.

Minister Dimov said all investment plans would pass through assessment of their environmental impact before implementation.