A Swiss environmental group has criticised the creation of a new ice cave on the Rhône Glacier and urged the local authorities to investigate the matter.
"We ask you to clarify the facts and take the necessary measures,” said the Swiss Foundation for the Protection and Development of the Landscape in a letter sent to the Valais government and Cantonal Building Commission (CCC), which was shared with the media.
The creation of a second ice grotto on the glacier prompted the foundation to report the case to the commission. “We are not aware of any application for planning permission for this,” said the foundation's director, Raimund Rodewald. He called for the work to be stopped "immediately".
"The old cave has obviously collapsed, and everything has been left in place. What bothers me is that the operator is taking every liberty to do as he pleases and enjoy the site to the last drop," said Rodewald. We should at least have an "ethical attitude" towards these glaciers, which are dying mainly because of human activity, he added. ...