SOS: Garni Gorge Jeopardized

EcoLur

Garni Gorge is under the threat of getting extinct, as Garni villagers, Kotayk Region, are beating an alarm signal. The reason is the construction of a gravity irrigation system in Qaghtsrashen community, Ararat Region. Under Garni villagers, the project plans to take 1000 l/s water from Azat River from the spot where Azat River joins Geghard River and the other brooklet of the Azat River coming out of Khosrov Reserve.

On 10 December 2014 the public hearings on the construction project of gravity irrigation system in Qaghtsrashen community submitted by “Hayhydroenerganakhagits” CJSC were organized in the Culture Center in Garni. “We have opposed to the implementation of this project and won’t allow to implement it,” the residents said.

“If 1000 l/s water is taken, no water will be left in the river. During the summer, Garni takes almost 1000 liters for irrigation. That is, already 1000 liters will be less in the river,” one of Garni villagers said. Under the villagers, 300-400 liters of water will be left in the river. The distance from Garni to Azat reservoir is 8-10 km, while Azat reservoir will dry down all these territories.

Deputy Head of Garni Community Volodya Hohannisyan said, “The project will be definitely detrimental to the gorge. This project for us means to block the Azat River and to stop its existence…Trees will definitely be cut down.”   

“Qaghtsrashen need only 50 liters of water, let them take it, but why do they need 1000 liters?” If water is piped to get it to the neighboring region, they will naturally start constructing SHPPs on them,” the residents concluded.

December 10, 2014 at 19:43