Cemeteries inhabited with insects and reptiles
Few realise that the insects and reptiles in the territory of a cemetery can be dangerous for life.
"My parents are buried here. I have seen snakes and scorpions many times. But what can I do?" Yerevan citizen Hakob Grigoryan told A1+ in Nubarashen cemetery.
Harutyun Movsisyan, who has worked in the cemetery for six years, has seen many poisonous insects in the area.
"I was even bitten while working and developed an allergic reaction. I have seen snakes of different sizes, including vipers but as you see I have got used to them," he said.
During the Soviet years, the cemeteries were pollinated. Even anthills were destroyed. The work was carried out by helicopter.
"Today we do the work without helicopters," Razmik Harutyunyan, deputy director of Municipality's Special Service for Yerevan City Population CJSC, told A1+.
"Until now, no citizen has been poisoned from insect stings and snake bites in the cemetery. We often disinfect cemeteries and cleanse the area with "Ketamine," he added.
During our visit, the employees of the cemetery were burning grass to "frighten" insects.
None of them had heard of "Ketamine" disinfector.
Hovsep Hovhannisyan, chief specialist of Health Ministry's State Hygienic and Anti-Epidemic Inspectorate, says Ketamine is used during the disinterment process.
Ketamine is a microbicide used to disinfect instruments and surfaces, the chief specialist explained.
"I do not know why the Municipality's Special Service told you that they are using Ketamine to disinfect cemeteries. They have not applied to us to get the disinfector," Hovsep Hovhannisyan said.
