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Paris Faces Public Outcry Over Seine Pollution Ahead of 2024 Olympics

Residents plan mass protest as water quality issues delay preparations for key events.

90. Paris, Banks of the Seine, Paris
"From the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower, from the Place de la Concorde to the Grand and Petit Palais, the evolution of Paris and its history can be seen from the River Seine. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame and the Sainte Chapelle are architectural masterpieces."
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The River Seine runs past the Eiffel Tower in Paris on April 11, 2024.
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Overview

  • Paris invested $1.5 billion to clean the Seine for the Olympics, but water quality remains poor.
  • Recent tests show high levels of E. coli and other bacteria, making the river unsafe for swimming.
  • Heavy rainfall and outdated sewage systems are blamed for the contamination.
  • The opening ceremony rehearsal was postponed due to strong river flow and pollution concerns.
  • Protesters plan to defecate in the Seine to highlight dissatisfaction with the cleanup efforts.