SOS: GARNI GORGE JEOPARDIZED – VIDEO
19:43 December 10, 2014
EcoLur
Garni Gorge is under the threat of getting extinct, as Garni
villagers, Kotayk Region, are beating an alarm signal. The reason
is the construction of a gravity irrigation system in Qaghtsrashen
community, Ararat Region. Under Garni villagers, the project plans to
take 1000 l/s water from Azat River from the spot where Azat River
joins Geghard River and the other brooklet of the Azat River coming
out of Khosrov Reserve.
On 10 December 2014 the public hearings on the construction project
of gravity irrigation system in Qaghtsrashen community submitted by
“Hayhydroenerganakhagits” CJSC were organized in the Culture Center
in Garni. “We have opposed to the implementation of this project and
won’t allow to implement it,” the residents said.
“If 1000 l/s water is taken, no water will be left in the river.
During the summer, Garni takes almost 1000 liters for irrigation. That
is, already 1000 liters will be less in the river,” one of Garni
villagers said. Under the villagers, 300-400 liters of water will be
left in the river. The distance from Garni to Azat reservoir is 8-10
km, while Azat reservoir will dry down all these territories.
Deputy Head of Garni Community Volodya Hohannisyan said, “The project
will be definitely detrimental to the gorge. This project for us
means to block the Azat River and to stop its existence…Trees will
definitely be cut down.”
“Qaghtsrashen need only 50 liters of water, let them take it, but
why do they need 1000 liters?” If water is piped to get it to the
neighboring region, they will naturally start constructing SHPPs on
them,” the residents concluded.