Madrid - More than 100,000 Spaniards marched through Madrid yesterday in the latest protest against a government plan to drain water from the northern Ebro river to aid the arid south-east. Around 120,000 protesters took to the streets, police estimated, but environmental groups put the figure as high as 400,000.
"No to the hydrological plan. It's time for a rational use of water," one of the banners carried by protesters said. Ecologists say the $21 billion plan will endanger the environment and wildlife in the Ebro area, but the government argues it is vital for development and complies with environmental standards.