Penteli and Marathonas will have the first forest maps

After seven months of delays, finally the new forest maps of Attica are here, for the areas of Marathonas and Penteli. It is the biggest bet of the Ministry of Environment, which will be unveiled today by Minister Tina Birbili, although she is already aware of the reactions this will cause.

There are several areas in Athens that are thinking of suing the State through their mayors since the areas that are going to be included in the forest zones are now areas where people live or they are communal areas. This is especially the case for the Municipality of Penteli.

According to the mayor Mr.Dimitris Stergiou, who met deputy minister Mr.Sifounakis yesterday, the maps are "not accurate or up-to-date since they are presenting as forests neighbourhoods where people have their homes, all legal homes included in the urban plan". The Mayor is asking for these areas to be re-examined. There also other areas that are facing the same problems, such as Anoixi and Aghios Stefanos. The situation of Aghios Stefanos is going to be dealt with separately, say Ministry sources.

The owners of property or land in the three areas that will have the first forest maps are allowed to appeal within 45 days, whilst paying a fine which according to the size of their property, will start from 50 euros and go up to 4,000 euros.