CONSTRUCTION PROJECT FOR UNDERGROUND SERVICE LINES ON GETAR RIVER NOT EXAMINED BY ECOLOGICAL EXPERTS

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Sept 28 2007

YEREVAN, September 28. /ARKA/. "The projects of constructing
underground passages, new residential houses and development of the
Getar River have not undergone an ecological expert examination. We
are examining the project and will report the results later,"
Harutyunyan said.

The Minister pointed out that the master plan envisages the restoration
of green plantations in the district. "The master plan was approved
a year ago, and the work is being carried in conformity with it. Our
position is that the tasks set by the master plan be consistently
accomplished," Harutyunyan said.

The Getar River flows through the center of Yerevan. Under a
large-scale construction program, a special tunnel is being built
for the stream canal.

Environmentalists are strongly against this, as the stream contributes
to mass verdurization, creates corridors for "ventilation", of the
city thus ensuring the existence of a natural ecosystem.

The Yerevan Municipality plans a number of large-scale programs,
particularly the construction of ground and underground facilities
at the crossroads of Vardanyan and Khanjyan streets, Nalbandyan,
Isahakyan, Manukyan streets and at Myasnikyan Avenue, in front of
the Yerevan Zoo.

The underground passages are being constructed under the master plan
of Yerevan approved by the Ra Government in 2005. The program is to
be implemented until 2020.