For many decades, extensive minefields have prevented access to the southern Jordan in the Jordan Valley. Recently, the mine clearing authority began removing mines to clear the fields so the area will be accessible to the public. At the same time, another program is cleaning the river water to encourage an increase the number of Christian pilgrims who come to the site of Jesus’ baptism.
The bordering areas will be accessible for agricultural use. The demining is part of the government’s decision to invest in the development and rehabilitation of the Jordan River.
“There are over 15,000 personnel and anti-tank mines,” said operations director Inbal Avraham. “Most of them were buried in the ground by the Jordanians and the Syrians. The maps are out of date and it is hard to locate the exact location of the mines. The rain and landslides in the region make it even more difficult to locate them. Despite the difficulty, we will reach our goal of making the Jordan River accessible and safe for the public.”
Clean water will be pumped into the river which will turn it into a cleaner river with steady flow. Ramon Ben Ari, Director General of Jordan River Authority said: “We hope that as a result of these actions the water level will rise and it will revive the local wildlife as well. Minefields in the area caused much trouble for local residents and local council leaders worked hard over the years to develop the site for tourism and make it an attractive area. The baptism site on the Israeli side of the border has been expanded in recent years and we look forward to see more pilgrims coming here.”
Government officials also hope that the accessibility to the river area will also bring Israel and Jordan closer, and possibly encourage cooperation to increase tourism to the area. As part of the overall development of the Jordan River, it was decided that the abandoned military outposts along the river will be used as a renovated tourist observation and recreation points.
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Rio Avitayler/www.jerusalemonline.com
