Gndevaz residents against Environment Ministry (Nature Protection) and Ministry of Territorial Management and Infrastructure (Energy and Natural Resources) have proceeded to the litigation stage, as "Green Armenia" NGO informs.
For 8 years, the residents of Gndevaz settlement, Jermuk Community, Vayots Dzor Region, and environmental non-governmental organizations have been challenging in court the environmental impact assessment and permits issued to Amulsar project approved by RA Minister of Nature Protection. "Lidian Armenia" CJSC is involved as a third party in the legal process.
During the court session held on August 11, 2022, the plaintiffs' lawyer Hayk Alumyan presented the lawsuit in its entirety, the plaintiffs' claim and its factual and legal grounds. Hayk Alumyan addressed the representative of Environment Ministry:
"Former Environment Minister Erik Grigoryan presented a document consisting of 13 points related to this activity. What is the position of the Ministry regarding this?" In response, the representative responded: "I don't know."
Hayk Alumyan also inquired whether any body has conducted a study on the flow of underground water in the Amulsar area." The Ministry representative : "I cannot say whether there is a map or not, but it has been studied.” Regarding the underground water data, RA Administrative Court judge Karen Zarikyan noted that the ministry should provide evidence regarding the map. If such a plan does not appear in the possession of the court before the end of the trial of the case, then there is no such evidence," the judge said. To Karen Zarikyan's observation, whether there is anything contradictory in the old and new EIAs, the Ministry representative responded: "To tell the truth, the comparison of the EIAs was not discussed. I know that we are constantly discussing the old EIA, there is nothing about the EIA for 2016 anywhere." In response, the judge said:
"You think I should read all these documents before the session, but you should not? You have to be aware of the case. Know that this EIA is related to this case, and it is important for the court to hear your position whether the old EIA is in conflict with the new EIA or not."
The next court session will be held on September 7 at 11:00, at which the parties will make their opening statements.
August 24, 2022 at 15:13