The Past writes, “Recently, there has been a lot of talk about air pollution, even the relevant departments noted that the level of air pollution in Yerevan exceeds the standard. Citizens have been complaining about dust recently, the deterioration of the situation in this matter can be seen in each case by the example of their own house. We discussed issues related to air pollution with Victoria Burnazyan, Vice President of "EcoLur" Informational NGO, whether the large-scale construction and the reduction of green spaces contribute to the increase in dust.
"Cars, factories, productions, construction sites, non-metallic open mines are the source of air pollution in Yerevan. The atmospheric air of the capital is polluted with dust, especially in the evening hours, when there is wind. For construction works, the requirement to carry out regular watering is not implemented at all in the evening hours, because people are not working during those hours. Air pollution is particularly significant because Yerevan has lost its lungs. Yerevan's main historical green spaces, which included Nork forests, Dalma Gardens, Hagtanak park groves, and the adjacent Banjaranots area, no longer exist.
The destruction of small green backyard parks and public spaces continues. Urban planning projects have been and continue to be implemented in these areas. In Yerevan, the green space per inhabitant was calculated as 7.6 square meters. This indicator is lower than the minimum value set by World Health Organization, which is a typical ratio of 9 square meters per inhabitant. Currently planted trees are still small and cannot absorb enough dust, gases and provide us with the oxygen we need. Although the relevant bodies regularly implement measures, for example awareness measures with businessmen, fines, but the steps taken are not enough to settle the problem," NGO Vice President said in her interview with the "Past".
"Atmospheric air pollution harms our health, flora and fauna, we cannot ignore this problem, it is a serious ecological and health threat, systematic and complex measures are needed to solve the problem," Victoria Burnazyan concludes.
Lusine Arakelyan
October 13, 2022 at 13:03