June 22, 2010 - 12:26 AMT
3393ha of forests to be flooded, with Sevan level rising

Vladimir Movsisyan, chairman of the committee on Lake Sevan issues, said that due to heavy rains the level of Sevan has risen up to 1901m, thus bringing forth a number of problems.

“Two electric power plants with their wires remained under the water. To take them out, Electric Networks of Armenia will assign AMD 1 billion. ArmRosgazprom will allocate the essential funds to raise almost 4km of gas pipes. Besides, 4 pumping stations were flooded,” he told reporters on June 22.

“The most pressing problem is the forests. When the level of Sevan rises up to 1905m, 3393ha of forests will be flooded. Currently, negotiations are held with Finland to purchase the equipment essential for cleaning works,” Movsisyan said.

“Besides, there are 3 problematic road sectors: two in Vardenis and one in Lchashen,” he added.

“1697 constructions, of which 481 are officially registered will be flooded, with the water coming to maximal mark of 1905m. The owners of only 19 of them will have the right to demand compensation for the damage to be inflicted,” Movsisyan said.

In total, AMD 44 billion was assigned to resolve problems caused by lake level rise.