On October 11, 2024, Grigory Malyukov, the Armenian coordinator of the projects of the Czech "Arnika" NGO, Monika Yeritsyan, a journalist at "EcoLur" Informational NGO, Oleg Dulgaryan, President of "Center for Mobilization Consolidation and Support" NGO, and Communication Manager Julia Amiraghyan met with Mayor of Horní Jiřetín Vladimir Buřt in the town of Horní Jiřetín in the Czech Republic.
He explained that coal has been mined here for more than 200 years. Forests have been cut down, water sources have changed their courses, and air quality has deteriorated. This has also affected the health of the local population, and the number of residents has decreased due to emigration. In 1991, the authorities decided to limit coal mining. In recent years, conflicts have intensified between the residents and the miners. A referendum was held to save the town because there was a risk of relocation. Seventy percent of the population participated in the referendum. Currently, efforts are being made to restore this small town.
The locals want to transition to renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
There are plans to build a reservoir and install solar power plants in the areas of the coal mines. "Currently, three large mines are operating here, but they have no economic impact on our region. The number of workers has also significantly decreased. We have been given the green light for development. We want to restore our nature and obtain clean energy," Vladimir Buřt noted.
October 11, 2024 at 15:38