VILLAGERS TURN TO ARMENIA’S NATURE PROTECTION MINISTER

11.10.12

Residents of the Getahovit village, Tavush, Armenia, have arrived
in Yerevan to demand that Armenia’s Minister of Nature Protection
Aram Harutyunyan that he order an end to the construction of the
Khachaghbyur-2 hydro-power plant (HPP) on the Paghjur river.

The residents gathered in front of the Ministry of Nature Protection
together with environmentalists. They say the construction is illegal.

One of the villagers, Artur Avagyan, noted that the construction has
had disastrous impact on the Arjatkhleniner nature reserve.

“The construction has caused tremendous damage to the area, thousands
of trees have been cut. The local species of tortoise was annihilated
even before it was included in the Red Book,” Avagyan said.

Minister Harutyunyan received some of the protesters. “You do not think
of the villagers. We have land there and they are depriving us of the
scant water supply. How could you allow a hydro to be constructed in
that area without asking us?” Avagyan said to the minister.

“This is terracide. This is out nature. Who approved the project?” he
said.

Minister Harutyunyan asked representatives of the Mega Energy company
if they have a legal right to construction. The company representative
explained that the area is officially part of neighboring Yenokavan
community, and the community head gave his consent to the construction.

“It is clear that the problem requires serious examination,” Minister
Harutyunyan said.

He warned that the construction company will be held responsible if
any violations are revealed.

“At present I demand that the construction be stopped and if you
disagree you can apply to court. I am giving you ten days to resolve
the problem,” Minister Harutyunyan said.

The Getahovit village residents warned they will continue their
actions if they are dissatisfied with the investigation results.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress