Fresh environmental tests conducted at Bahrain’s protected Buhair Valley have confirmed that the site is currently safe from harmful pollutants, easing public concerns after recent controversy surrounding visitors flocking to the ecologically sensitive reserve.
The inspections, carried out by the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) on behalf of the Oil and Environment Ministry, found that all environmental indicators were within normal levels, with no hazardous substances detected in the valley’s water or surrounding ecosystem.
However, a second round of contamination testing requested from the Health Ministry is still pending, with results expected on Monday following the Ashoora holidays.
Despite the reassuring findings, authorities insist that the breathtaking East Riffa landmark – a rare wetland ecosystem believed to contain geological formations dating back to prehistoric ages – remains completely closed to the public.
Southern Municipal Council chairman and area councillor Abdulla Abdullatif stressed that the safety test results do not change the legal status of the protected reserve.
“The environmental checks conducted so far show no public harm and all tested indicators are within acceptable limits, but that does not mean people can enter the site freely,” Mr Abdullatif said.
“The valley remains strictly off limits until it is properly organised and transformed into a fully protected eco-zone with clear regulations governing access and visitor activity.”
The development follows growing public outrage after large crowds began descending on the valley during the Eid Al Adha holiday after viral social media videos showcased the site’s flowing streams, dense greenery, tall reed beds and dramatic limestone formations – an exceptionally rare natural scene in Bahrain.
What began as sightseeing quickly escalated into serious environmental concerns.
Videos circulating online showed visitors driving through restricted terrain, climbing fragile rock formations, swimming in the water, trampling wetland vegetation, feeding bread to fish and leaving behind significant amounts of litter.
Municipal officials have already pledged legal action against trespassers.
“This is a protected nature reserve and entering without authorisation is a clear violation,” Mr Abdullatif said.
“We have formally raised these concerns with the relevant authorities and requested immediate intervention to stop reckless behaviour that threatens one of Bahrain’s most environmentally valuable sites.”
The valley was officially designated a protected nature reserve in July 2022 under directives issued by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, recognising its extraordinary ecological and geological significance.
Mr Abdullatif reiterated that long-term preservation remains the priority.
“Our responsibility is to protect this national treasure for future generations. The area must remain secured until comprehensive protection measures are in place and the ecosystem is fully safeguarded from human damage.”
For now, despite clean environmental readings, Bahrain’s hidden natural jewel remains closed – protected not because it is dangerous, but because it is far too precious to lose.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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