EcoLur
In the frames of 'Support to SHPP-relating reforms through the dialogue of public and RA Nature Protection Ministry for Sustainable Use of River Ecosystems' EcoLur presents the opinions of the residents living in the communities exposed to the impact of SHPP operation. We presented the opinion of Martuni community, Gegharkounik Region, which is located in the SHPP impact zone. 'Here we suffer from the stink, as the regional sewage flows here. The water in the place where water enters the pipe and then to the generator, must be replaced at least once three days and cease it in summer months at all. I don't even mention the proximity of the school. People in charge of issuing permits must be brought to justice. Soon cholera will burst out, our children will suffer in hospitals together with us. What do we need the SHPP for and what it gives to the village? The SHPP flooded my sheep and cattle, but they say I need to prove it. How can I prove it? If construct anything, please operate it in line with the standards- there are violations from A to Z. The water is cut off, there is a fish passway, where water must flow, but even a snake can't move there – there is no water. The fish pathway is clogged with a rug to pipe the water. If I don't raise my voice, everything will get dry there. My ducks and geese go to swim in the river, but no water. You can't even take a bucket of water in summer. Now we want them to operate the SHPP in a normal way, to let out water at least once a week. I took my hunting gun and fought with the Turks to come and to breathe in this stink here. It kills me. If they spent money, let them operate in a normal manner and let out some water. We already don't have any fish, let the cattle water there,' the Martuni resident said.
June 09, 2015 at 18:11