Public subsidies and grants to DDH are phased out

1962 - 1982

During the period 1962-1971 DDH carried out one of its most controversial projects, namely the Skjern å project, which involved the re-alignment of the stream of the same name and the drainage of adjacent meadows.

The project became a crucial catalyst for the Danish environmental debate and discussion concerning the public’s expectations with regard to the Danish countryside. The debate also became a symbol of Denmark’s development from that of an agricultural society to an industrial society.

As a consequence, changes to legislation took place, and from 1966 onwards major land reclamation projects – such as the drainage of lakes – were halted, although grants continued to be provided for the drainage of water-logged land.

In the 1970s a phasing out of public grants and subsidies to DDH began. At the same time, the company further developed its activities, introduced new technology and began to turn its attention to international tasks, particularly in the Third World.