Project of Kaghtsrashen and Geghardalich rivers also at the expense of nature (video)
The gravity-flow systems of irrigation for sending the waters of the Geghardalich and the Azat rivers to dozens of communities don’t put the water resources of Garni and Goght communities at risk, claims 'Water Industry' PIU environmental expert Martiros Nalbandyan, “Two different design institutes have worked based on 60 years’ data of the RA Meteorological Service, and the data showed that there is enough water in that basin for implementing the abovementioned projects.” He says that in case of taking water from the Geghardalich the amount of water intended for Goght community will not decrease. “Simply by raising the dam, a chance arises to collect extra amount of water and send to the neighboring communities of Goght.” 'Water Industry' PIU environmental expert claims that in case of implementation of the project of Kaghtsrashen, Garni residents will not lack water. It’s true that water measurements have shown that there will be less water in August, but for filling that gap Kaghtsrashen pumping station will partially operate. There are also other circumstances proving the amount of water necessary for Garni residents. “The head part of Garni community is in higher position, Garni community is a traditional water user and has had a right to use water earlier and finally calculations were made in the lower territory,” notes Mr Nalbandyan. Martiros Nalbandyan states that in case of construction of gravity-flow systems no endemic plants will be damaged because of their absence. But he confesses that it will not be possible to refrain from damaging nature at all. “It isn’t possible to carry out economic activities not at the expense of nature, but assessment of risks and impact must be carried out. There are mainly non-endemic briers and willows here, and the constructors are instructed to cut down the fewest number of them, as there is no alternative. The constructors are obliged to plant 3-5 trees instead of each cut tree.” The expert states that the projects of Kaghtsrashen and Geghardalich have enough economic justifications. “Each of the projects will annually save USD 1 million from the state budget, which at the moment is spent on the electricity used by pumping stations and annual exploitation.” He considers the rumors about solar energy development for the operation of pumping stations to be just nice formulations. He says no one gives reasons that the operation of pumping stations will be more beneficial by using solar energy.
