Romania dismantles historic Pojarna raft dam, restoring 13 km of river flow

At the close of September, the remnants of the historic Pojarna raft dam in the commune of Nucșoara, Argeș, were cleared, completing a restoration effort for the Râul Doamnei’s continuity. The operation, led by the non-governmental group Aqua Crisius and financed through the European Open Rivers Programme, reconnected more than 13 kilometres of the river’s upper course, benefiting native fish such as brown trout, chub and European bullhead.

This marks Romania’s first officially sanctioned dam removal, a project that initially met opposition from some public bodies and local residents before regulatory approvals were obtained. Aqua Crisius notes that the river’s natural regeneration capacity is significant once barriers are removed. Materials salvaged from the former structure were used by visual artist Daniel Dan to create a monument commemorating the former raft-transport era, with an informational panel to be installed near the road to Stâna lui Burnei. Experts cited in related coverage highlight that eliminating obsolete river obstacles can yield ecological, economic and safety benefits across the country.