EcoLur
EcoLur is presenting the results of the study conducted in Nor Amanos Community, Aragatsotn Region, in connection with the impact of the ANPP, emergency preparedness, awareness of security measures, participation in decision-making and social problems of the community.
Nor Amanos Community in Aragatsotn Region with 845 inhabitants is 7-8 km away from the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP).
Radiation safety equipment facilities in case of radiation hazard
The community does not have a functionally adapted anti-radiation shelter in case of radiation danger. The basements of the school and the house of culture, as well as the basement of the house of the residents, which cannot provide anti-radiation security for the people, can be used for shelter.
The community municipality has an evacuation plan. In case of radiation danger, the residents of Nor Amanos should be evacuated to the neighboring village of Arutch, whereas the cars of the residents are numbered for this purpose. There are no posters guiding on nuclear safety in the community. Few surveyed residents were aware of the priority steps in case of danger.
The community does not have necessary iodine preparations or gas masks to provide in case of the radiation safety.
Near the nuclear power plant, without gas and irrigation water
The surveyed in New Amanos are not against the timeline extension of the second power unit of the ANPP. "We have no other way to get electricity in Armenia, we agree with the government's decision. But at least they should have conceded in case of electricity ...," the residents said, noting that the village doesn’t have gas supply and subsidizing electricity would be a great support for them.
In New Amanos, wood and biofuels are used as fuel. In the last few years, residents have been actively using solar water heaters.
The community has a problem with irrigation water. According to Vahram Avetisyan, there is water, but the community is located at the end of the Arzni-Shamiram canal and the community gets little water.
"During the Soviet years, 400-420 hectares of land were cultivated in our community, at the moment the best is 200-220 hectares. The crop is planted, it grows out in hot weather and dries out due to lack of water. There have been many fertile lands. Due to the lack of irrigation water, they have been degraded,” the community head said.
The village in the days of the coronavirus
In New Amanos, no one left for work due to the coronavirus epidemic. Instead, rural gardening has been boosted. “This situation has contributed to the development of agriculture. People were not able to work abroad, they planted 6-7 hectares of gardens this spring.” the community head said.
June 05, 2020 at 12:45