EcoLur
You won’t ever believe that it’s the same Martz River everywhere. Before the SHP it’s a nice and full-water river, while after the SHP it’s a tiny brook with shallow stones, dried trees and banks. We speak about “Martziget 2” SHP (Lori region), which has been operating for about two years. In the area it is called “Darbinyan” SHP after the owner. The video was shot by EcoLur in late March, the fullest water period.
Vanadzor Aarhus Center Coordinator Pertch Bojukyan made comments on “Martziget 2” SHP. “Armenia acceded to the Aarhus Convention and SHP project should undergo public hearings, nevertheless, the latter are conducted properly. If public opposes to SHP, its operation should be stopped. So far we had only one precedent – Trchkan. If not to listen to public, we can develop all areas with SHPs. But people here live for the sake of this river and nature. This is a strong psychological factor, which should be taken into account. EcoLur, “Village heads sign under the consent of communities, but people don’t have any idea about it.” Pertch Bojukyan, “Village heads are considered to be authorized persons...In some cases, people are not aware of hazards. Many projects say they will operate only in full water period, but they operate all year round. Nobody awards damages to locals because of ruptures.”
Martz villager, “Pipes have been ruptures in 7 places, and what is our benefit? Now their cars destroy our road and the water has washed it off…”
Reminder: the construction of “Martziget 2” SHP was launched without permitting documents as approved by Nature Protection Ministry in reply to EcoLur’s enquiry, nevertheless, so far no examination has been carried out at this SHP.
April 08, 2013 at 11:48