Grim fate of an ecosystem
Lake Karla once covered 4,000-18,000 hectares. – In 1908, it dried up completely. – After World War II, the lake ranged in size from 4,100 to 8,500 hectares. Villages in Larissa suffered when the Pineios River flooded. – In 1951, a wall built on the southern bank of the Pineios stopped water flowing into the lake, which then shrank and became very salty. – In 1959, it was decided to drain most of the lake and build a 6,400-hectare reservoir. – In 1962, Lake Karla dried out completely. – In 1994, a decision was taken to fill the reservoir once again. – In March 2000, work began on the reservoir and on reshaping the surrounding area.
