Although the high water level of the Pļaviņas Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) has hidden the Staburags cliff in Latvia from view forever, many natural treasures can still be seen when the water level is lowered.
The banks of the Daugava and the Pērse become wide, exposing not only ancient tree stumps and stones, but also dolomite cliffs. The foundations of the medieval castle ruins of Koknese also come into view, if only by a few metres.
The Pļaviņas HPP is one of the most powerful hydroelectric power plants in the Baltics, first started up in 1965. Its construction process, during which large areas were flooded, caused irreparable damage to the natural and cultural heritage.
Staburags, dolomite cliffs, a waterfall in the lower reaches of the River Pērse and many other natural treasures were left under water. The Pļaviņas HPP changed the landscape of Koknese forever, but every now and then the water level is lowered, revealing wondrous sights. It is rare to see water levels as low as they are now.
Yes, we will no longer see Staburag, and the medieval ruins of Koknese will never again rise majestically 40 metres above the confluence of the Daugava and the Pērse, but we can still see the diversity of nature that the mighty waters hide in everyday life.
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