Protesters blocked roadway
Yerevan-Martuni roadway of Yerevan-Sevan highway has been blocked with a "live" barrier since early morning. More than 100 residents from six communities of Gegharkunik marz have closed the road hampering the traffic with huge blocks of stones.
They protest against the construction of a hydropower plant on the Argitchi River, the most full-flowing river running into Lake Sevan. The protesters argue that the construction is unwarranted and will leave the neighbouring communities without irrigation water.
They decided to close the road after they found all civilized methods of protest exhausted. Their letters addressed to the country's president, prime minister, Gegharkinik governor and other relevant bodies were left unanswered.
Hundreds of vehicles are clogged in the traffic jam on Yerevan-Martuni roadway, with drivers taking all possible efforts to reopen the road. The protesters say they will make a decision after meeting a top official.
The Ministry of Nature Protection issued a permit to "Hydrocorporation" CJSC for water consumption aiming to construct a hydropower plant on the Argitchi River. In 2009, "Zangezour Eximp" LLC carried out partial repair of this aqueduct, but it remained unfinished.
Zangezour Eximp supposedly launched illegal construction without having required documentation, or having only a part.
A1+ was told at Yerevan stations that Yerevan-Martuni minibuses follow the schedule without any suspensions.
