The Commission for Ecological Transition of the Parliament has approved a proposal from the Popular Party to restore the Ripoll riverbed as it passes through Ripollet, with measures against flooding and invasive species.
On July 15, the Commission for Ecological Transition of the Parliament of Catalonia greenlit a proposal from the Popular Party that calls for a comprehensive improvement plan for the Ripoll riverbed, especially in the section that runs through Ripollet. The initiative, presented by deputy Eva García, aims to reverse years of environmental degradation and improve safety against potential flooding.
The proposal, which must now be executed by the administration, includes the removal of invasive species such as carp, mosquito fish, and American perch, as well as the recovery of native habitats. It also contemplates the improvement of accessibility and sustainable public use of the riverbed, always with guarantees of environmental protection.
Eva García, the Popular spokesperson in the commission, recalled that the initiative was first presented in September 2025, accompanied by municipal councillor Víctor Diéguez. Ten months later, the resolution has been approved, marking a step forward for the municipality of Vallès.
“The Ripoll river is a very important natural heritage for the entire Vallès Occidental region, but for too many years it has been a victim of neglect and lack of planning,” declared the deputy. García criticized the management of the Catalan Water Agency (ACA), accusing it of “poor planning and lack of transparency” for not having established clear protocols or published periodic reports on the state of the riverbed.
The approved proposal urges the promotion of priority maintenance and conservation actions in the non-urban sections of the river. These include the removal of waste and invasive species, the recovery of native habitats, and the authorization, at the request of municipalities, of measures that improve accessibility and sustainable public use.
The deputy emphasized that the goal is to reverse the degradation that has limited safe access to paths, recreational areas, and environmental education spaces. “This diminishes the river's potential as a space for leisure and social integration, and increases the risk of flooding due to erosion,” she added.
For the residents of Ripollet, the approval of this proposal represents hope for the recovery of a natural space that has suffered prolonged neglect. The Ripoll river, which runs through several municipalities in Vallès, is a key ecological corridor, but its current state limits enjoyment and poses a risk during episodes of heavy rainfall.
The PP's initiative is set against a backdrop of growing concern for the state of Catalan rivers. The ACA, responsible for water management, must now specify the actions and timelines. The Popular group is confident that parliamentary pressure will accelerate the work.
The proposal also calls for the protection of natural spaces and safety against potential floods, a particularly relevant aspect in an area that has experienced historical flooding. The removal of invasive species is one of the most urgent measures, as they disrupt the native ecosystem and hinder natural regeneration.
The next step will be for the ACA to present a concrete work plan. Meanwhile, the residents of Ripollet and local environmental groups will closely monitor the evolution of the actions. The Ripollet town council, for its part, has expressed its willingness to collaborate in the improvement tasks.
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