EcoLur
Martiros Nalbandyan, a specialist at PIU of State Committee on Water Industry is sure that Qaghtsrashen gravity irrigation system won’t pose any environmental hazard. The system will be constructed in immediate proximity to Khosrov Reserve and Symphony of Stones. The Azat River is the main factor in forming the ecosystem of Azat Gorge ecosystem. The project impacts Khosrov reserve, Garni Gorge, Symphony of Stones and those communities, which use the water of Azat River and Azat reservoir, “The data for recent 60 years provided by ArmStateHydroMet were analyzed, calculations were carried out and confirmed that the water will be sufficient for the operation of Qaghtsrashen gravity irrigation system at the same time ensuring water more than needed for the environmental flow in the river.” We won’t experience any problems from environmental viewpoint, under the project data, as the set environmental flow is preserved and it doesn’t pose any danger,” Martiros Nalbandyan said. What about the impact of the project on “Khosrov Forest” state reserve, according to M. Nalbandyan, the system doesn’t have any relation with the reserve. He is also sure that after the construction of Qaghtsrashen gravity irrigation system the Azat River won’t experience any problems with the water in the river. For the part of EcoLur it should be mentioned that the environmental flow is currently calculated under the governmental resolution 927-N dated on 30 June 2011, which was heavily criticized, as it causes disturbance of the river ecosystem and destruction of fish world. Azat Gorge is considered to be a semi-desert zone. Qaghtsrashen gravity irrigation project will be constructed with World-bank funded “Improvement of Irrigation System” project, which aims to improve the effectiveness of irrigation in 12 communities in Ararat Region using the water of the Azat River. Qaghtsrashen gravity irrigation system will replace its mechanical system and will annually save over 10 million KW/h electricity.
June 17, 2015 at 12:46