Italy tables ‘drought’ decree to address severe water crisis

Italy has been frequently plagued by drought during the summer months, with last year seeing a “state of calamity” declared in several regions due to the worst drought in 70 years. This year, the situation is expected to worsen as the country has experienced exceptionally low rainfall over the winter. “The goal is to get through the summer because the level of rivers, glaciers and lakes, especially in northern Italy, is dramatic. If we don’t have a rainy spring, it will likely be a very complicated summer,” warned Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini. The decree, presented by Salvini and approved by the Council of Ministers on 6 April, aims to expedite authorisation procedures for water infrastructures. It includes the creation of a task force reporting to Salvini and appointing an extraordinary national commissioner whose mandate will expire at the end of December but may be extended for an additional year.