The government has given the go-ahead to flood the Hedwige polder in the southwestern province of Zeeland to counterbalance the environmental damage caused by the deepening of the Westerschelde waterway. Agriculture Minister Gerda Verburg called the decision sensitive and difficult but inevitable.

The plan the cabinet proposed in April, aimed at creating marshes and mud flats outside the dikes, has ultimately proved unfeasible. In April the Council of State halted the dredging of the waterway following protests by environmental organisations. The move prompted outrage from Belgium, which had agreed with the Dutch government that the project would be completed before the end of the year. The Hague subsequently agreed it would honour its commitment one way or another. Belgium wants the waterway deepened so larger ships can reach the port of Antwerp. The province of Zeeland has expressed disappointment at the cabinet's decision to flood the polder. Environmental groups have mostly voiced delight.

Photo: the Hedwige polder (ANP)