This natural phenomena, with an expert name of estavel, is located in the northern part of Nikšićko polje, called Gornje Polje, close to Brezovik. It was declared a Monument of Nature two years ago, but aside from that, the location is completely neglected.
During one period of the year, the whirlpool functions as a spring, from November to May. Then, from July to November, it functions as a pit. During the time it functions as a spring, we can witness another phenomena called “breaking” of the whirlpool. The strong pressure of incoming underground waters creates a dull rumble. After that, there is a breakage of condensed air from underground channels that creates a strong pop. The water then ejects large quantities of small, cream colored sand.
It is enough to say that nowhere in Europe you can find such a big estavel at such a short distance, as it is case in Nikšić. However, the neglect of this phenomena is not the fault of the citizens, but of the system, especially educational system, said Aleksandar Perović, President of Ecological Movement OZON.
“I think that the majority of Nikšić’s citizens have never visited the whirlpool in Gornje Polje, and I doubt that many of them even know about it. Educational system did not recognize the importance of this natural phenomena, nor has it used its potential when it comes to field classes, especially for students of elementary and high school level. Unfortunately, the whirlpool of Gornje Polje and its potential were not recognized by National Tourist Organization, nor local administration of Nikšić, nor University of Montenegro. This is truly unfortunate, because I am certain that the biggest estavel in Balkan would be very interesting for geography students from the whole region”, he thinks.
Perović was among those who did an expert study on this natural phenomena. He considers the decision of the local parliament to put this site under protection and declare it a Monument of Nature to be a good one.
“This decision was awaited for far too long, although now I hope that it will help decrease the danger from different uncontrolled actions of irresponsible individuals, who were close to endanger the natural function of the whirlpool at one moment. If this type of phenomena was found in some municipality in Norway, for instance, I am certain that every citizen would not only know all of the details about, but would act as a tourist guide for his guests. The whole community would benefit from appropriate valorization. Nikšić is not in Norway, but in an even more beautiful country whose Constitution defines it as an ecological state. All the more unfortunate is the fact that the whirlpool in Gornje Polje remains neglected”, he said.
The study explains that the openings of estavel are connected to many underground channels, some of which lead higher, to the fields of greater elevation, and some lead lower, to the valleys or fields of lower elevation. During strong and long rain streaks, the water cannot flow through underground channels, so it rises and the openings of such channels become springs. When the surface water pressure comes fown, underground channels empty, and the same openings now function as pits. The most recent measurements of Hydro-meteorological Institute of Montenegro state that the depth here is 72 meters.
Another miracle – Vido’s stream
Not far away from the whirlpool, there is another natural miracle – Vido’s stream in the village Rastovac. It also represents a rare hydrological phenomena. From November until May, from the crater of the stream maximum quantities of water flow, and the most is 260 liters per second. During this time, water flows from the crater without stopping, and a shallow valley next to it becomes a small lake, that can even reach the depth of 30 cm.
Today, Vido’s stream is chained with iron bars, and the table with its name is no longer a touristic sign, but a sign for a bus stop.
