EcoLur
The residents of Astghadzor Village, Gegharkunik Region, have been fighting for water for 4 years already. In 2016, RA Ministry of Nature Protection issued a water intake permit to Zolakar community in the amount of 23/1 l/s from four natural springs called "Gran" and "Mets Dzori Tmban Tak", as a result, the water of the Astghadzor River flowing into Lake Sevan dries up during the summer months, and the village of Astghadzor is left without water.
Residents of Astghadzor community have applied to all responsible bodies: Astghadzor and Zolakar municipalities, Gegharkunik Regional Administration, RA Ministry of Nature Protection and RA Ministry of Health, “Rural Areas Economic Development Programmes Implementation Unit” (RAED PIU), RA Prosecutor's Office, RA Ombudsman's Office, but their violated water rights have not been restored. Residents called upon to Public Environmental Court, expecting the support of the Public Court for the restoration of their rights.
On May 12, 2020, the Public Environmental Court examined the environmental public case "Violation of Astghadzor Community Residents' Right To Water" Environmental Public Case remotely, according to the application of Astghadzor resident Vardan Grigoryan. The Public Environmental Court ruled:
“1. To recognize the damage to the ecosystem of the Astghadzor River and its impact on Lake Sevan, the violation of the fundamental rights and legitimate interests of the people of Astghadzor, which contributed to the deterioration of the socio-economic situation of the residents of Astghadzor Community, as an environmental crime.”
May 27, 2020 at 18:12