EcoLur
In 2012 “Hydrocorporation” CJSC constructed “Argitchi” SHPP on the largest river flowing into Lake Sevan – Argitchi with expired documents. The EIA for this project was issued on 7 July 2006, while Article 11(4) of RA Law “On Environmental Impact Expert Assessment” the expertise opinion loses its force, if the planned activity is not performed within one year after issuing the opinion, afterwards a new opinion is required. In 2012 the SHPP was constructed with the old project.
In late 2013 EcoLur’s journalists conducted sociological surveys in Verin Getashen, Nerqin Getashen and Madina communities to find out the opinions of people on the SHPP. 16 people out of the surveyed said their life quality didn’t improve after the SHPP construction, 6 people mentioned it deteriorated. 14 people said that the fish reserves in the river had already reduced because of the SHPP. 10 people are sure that the sanitary state of the river would change for the worse because of the SHPP and would deteriorate. 13 people noted that the SHPP affects on the water supply. In reply to the question what kind of promises the SHPP owners gave, 13 people answered no promise was given. Three people mentioned the SHPP owners promised to rehabilitate roads, but they didn’t keep their promise. 9 people opposed to the SHPP, 2 backed it, five people refused to answer it.
This material was made possible through the full support of Open Society Foundations – Armenia’s Policy Fellowship Program Initiative, grant number 18571. Ideas, thoughts, and arguments presented in the paper are the sole expression of the author’s views and do not reflect those of Open Society Assistance Foundations – Armenia.
April 25, 2014 at 16:52