EcoLur
The level of groundwater resources and groundwater springs reserves in the Ararat Valley has significantly dropped over the last 6-8 years creating many socio-economic problems in over 30 communities in Ararat Valley. On March 18, the USAID Clean Energy and Water Program (CEWP) presented to water sector stakeholders the findings of the Study of Groundwater Resources in the Ararat Valley, Armenia. “The Ararat basin with its water resources has both strategic and vital significance merely for the simple reason that its water resources were used for years for both agricultural purposes and everyday necessities.” During recent years besides the agricultural works the fish-breeding field is also being developed which gave birth to a number of problematic sides, too.
“During recent years the Government of Armenia tried to find certain solutions by the help of different administrative mechanisms in the sense of efficient usage of groundwater resources. But the solutions still do not have desirable effect and the problems still exist, and so rather consistent, comprehensive and strenuous work waits us in that direction in the nearest future,” said Armen Gevorgyan, Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Territorial Administration. Head of USAID/Armenia Karen Hilliard also highlighted the importance of the urgent solution to the problem existing in this field, “The level of groundwater resources and groundwater springs reserves in the Ararat Valley has significantly dropped over the last 6-8 years, according to the study. Over 30 communities in the valley suffer from shortages of potable and irrigation water, which leaves a negative imprint on the socio-economic and health conditions of the villages.
The study voices the strong need for political action on the part of the Armenian Government to address these issues through improved management and control mechanisms, including the introduction of water conservation measures. These steps will ultimately help to remedy the situation and restore the level of groundwater resources in the Ararat Valley – the country’s vital agricultural hub.
March 19, 2014 at 13:44