The picturesque historic town of Visegrad in eastern Bosnia is facing a serious threat from a massive floating waste dump that has taken over the deep turquoise waters of the Drina river canyon. Tons of floating garbage, mostly plastic bottles, are not only harming the local tourism-based economy but also raising concerns about the potential impact on people's health if the waste is eventually burnt. The Visegrad hydro-power plant initially built a makeshift barrier out of old oil drums in the canyon about 20 years ago to protect its dam from the river debris.

However, the barrier has been ineffective in preventing the massive amount of waste that makes its way into the river each year. Dejan Furtula of Eko Center Visegrad pointed out that there are about 5,000 cubic meters of different kinds of waste coming from all sides, including toxic waste and the occasional home appliance. The garbage is carried from the Drina's upstream tributaries by rising water levels caused by heavy rains or snow, bringing in trash from nearby waste sites. It has been reported that the Drina holds more than just plastic waste, as it also contains dead animals, medical waste, and car parts.

Furtula stated that the river is essentially serving as a regional waste depot for towns upstream, which is threatening the river's delicate ecological system and ultimately contaminating the air that the people of Visegrad must breathe. This environmental disaster is not only affecting the natural beauty of Visegrad but also hitting the local tourism industry.

The owners and employees of hotels and restaurants in the town are expressing concerns about the negative impact of the waste dump on tourism. Tourists, upon arriving in Visegrad and spotting the garbage dump in the Drina, are reportedly making negative comments, influencing both the tourism industry and the local community. The seriousness of the situation has prompted ecologists to conduct a thorough water analysis of the Drina river this year, in hopes of addressing the contamination and possible heavy metal pollution. It is evident that immediate action is necessary to address this pressing issue and preserve the health and beauty of the historic town of Visegrad.