The Ramblers' Association, Friends of the Earth and Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar have issued a joint appeal to the Mepa Development Control Commission to vote against applications which, they warned, would mar Ta' Marga valley in Qala. The NGOs said the DCC on Tuesday has before it applications "to erect an apartment block with basement garage" and the building of "five houses with pools".

The NGOs said these developments would risk ruining the Qala valley hydrogically, ecologically and scenically.

They said the DCC board should decide rationally and give due importance to expert advice rather than "prima facie" assumptions.

"The NGOs strongly urge MEPA take its role as guardian of the natural and cultural heritage seriously in the national interest," the NGOs said.

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