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Environment Politics

“Pashinyan’s Ambitious Water Management Plans Under Scrutiny: Can the ‘New Armenia’ Close Illegal Wells and Save its Resources?”

“Jhoghovurd” newspaper reported that on September 16, 2019, Nikol Pashinyan delivered a speech in Mamuli where he presented 100 documents highlighting the progress of the “New Armenia”. Document 77 revealed that significant efforts had been made to address the issue of illegal wells in the Ararat field, resulting in an impressive increase of approximately 880 liters per second in water flow. Additionally, work had been carried out in region 83 to enhance water management, leading to the successful control of 8 underground wells and the restoration of 43 reservoirs in the Ararat and Armavir provinces. This initiative led to the replenishment of 28 underground wells, while 20 wells were closed due to regulatory demands. Despite these advancements, it was reported that there are still around 1000 active wells in the Ararat field, contributing to the outflow of water from Armenia to Turkey. The authorities propose replacing the management of these wells with pipes, a solution that ecologists argue would have severe consequences. The government argues that such actions are rendered impossible within a closed administrative system. Ecologists have engaged in numerous protests, however, their efforts have been suppressed. Experts speculate on the future challenges these operations may face.