Small HPP in Jermuk: What Such Kind of Public Hearings Are For?

EcoLur

The process of constructing a small HPP in Jermuk is carried out with the violation of laws, but it’s encouraged by Nature Protection Ministry. The public hearings on the project were held on 20 August, after starting the construction of small HPP “Jermuk-1” by “Jermuk Turboshin” Company. During July the Ministry received signal alarms from locals and NGOs that the riverbed has been changed. The working group of EcoLur confirms (see photo) that the company carried out construction works directly in the river, narrowed the riverbed and leveled the square for future objects of the HPP directly in the river. Nevertheless, the Ministry didn’t carry out any inspections as regards with this signal alarm, and instead took part in the public hearings in Jermuk on 20 August 2012 on the project of constructing a small HPP. That is, it factually took part in the process of issuing an environmental expertise opinion where the provisions of RA Law “On Environmental Impact Expert Assessment” are violated. Reminder: public hearings are organized to reveal public opinion as regards with the expected activities, and not for legalizing the construction launched without any positive opinion of environmental expertise. In upcoming days we will publish a video material where the participants speak about the imitation nature of these public hearings, Jermuk residents and local activists Makedon Aleksanyan, Narek Mirzoyan and Vazgen Galstyan.

Photos by Tehmine Yenoqyan

September 07, 2012 at 13:21