NEW PLAN OF GYUMRI TO BE SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL

Azg/arm
28 Jan 05

The new Gyumri project, elaborated at Haynakhagits Institute, is
likely to be submitted for approval in the course of the coming two
months. Before that, its official discussion was held at the Regional
Administration of Shirak with the participation of the representatives
of different NGOs and neighboring regions.

This basic document of the city’s development will contribute to the
solution of many urban, ecological and other issues that occurred
after the earthquake. One of them is the territorial issue of the
city’s border with some of the neighboring villages. Sahur Qalashian,
the head of the architects’ group, the authors of the project, said
that the city remains in the pre-earthquake area, but it was also
enlarged, including some countryside areas. In particular, he pointed
out Ani and Mush newly built blocks. At present, the area of Gyumri
city will stretch for 4400 hectares. There is an unsolved issue
concerning the neighboring territory of Shirak airport. These lots
were under control by the community of Azatan village formerly.

The city project was elaborated in the context of the general
development of the region. Taking into account the issues concerning
the ecology and environment of the region, the plan is envisaged for
population amounting to 230-250 thousand. The authors of the plan
assured that they paid great attention the highly seismic character of
the region.

By Gegham Mkrtchian