Will Lake Sevan problems be resolved?

PanARMENIAN.Net - According to the plans, the water level of the lake will rise to 6,5 meters to make 1903,5 essential to secure natural ecological processes of self-purification.

During a working visit to Gegharkunik province, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan observed the construction works at Sevan-Lchashen road sector and was briefed on urgent tasks, specifically cleaning of waterlogged parts of the lake.

For the first time during many years, AMD 44 billion was allocated to address the pressing problems. The council of National Park Sevan nonprofit organization intensifies activity, the two major tasks being to raise the water level in the lake and ensure its high quality. Consistent work is being carried out for the purpose, according to Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration Armen Gevorgyan.

Chairman of the commission for Lake Sevan issues, Vladimir Movsisyan, said that the cleaning of waterlogged parts of the lake will begin in the near future. “Multifunctional excavators will be obtained for the purpose. The works will take 2 or 3 years,” he said.

According to Movsisyan, 520 constructions at the will be demounted and a pumping station will be built. Besides, Sevan hydropower plant will be put into operation in April 2011. As to road construction, he said that Sevan-Lchashen road is expected to serve 8-10 more years. Then, new solutions will be found and possibly another road around the lake will be built.

Among the most urgent problems he named reconstruction of damaged sectors of Arpa-Sevan tunnel, for which AMD 11,8 billion was allocated.

Besides, specialists promise that the beach lovers will be lucky to have 250 km of shore within several years. USD 7,5 million water purification stations were set up in the cities of Sevan, Gavar, Vardenis, Martuni and Jermuk through the courtesy of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The construction will be completed in 2011. AMD 12 billion was assigned by the Armenian government on sewage disposal. The submerged territories will be cleaned from trees and bushes, with the help of recently-purchased Finnish equipment.