Tension Continues in Aragats Village

The Aurora Media news department continues to receive reports that the Yerevan-Vanadzor interstate road remains closed. Residents of the Aragats community in the Aragatsotn region are blocking the road, demanding the cessation of the operation of two hydroelectric power stations (HEPS) on the Gegharot River.

In a conversation with NEWS.am, the administrative head of the Aragats community, Henrik Hovhannisyan, stated that the operations of the HEPS were halted four months ago at the request of the village residents, but they resumed work the day before.

According to him, the HEPS, which have been in operation for eight years, are causing problems. Previously, the irrigation water was sourced directly from the river, which was clean, but now it is provided through pipes, which has degraded the water quality. The water is not being filtered.

Henrik Hovhannisyan emphasized that he stands with the people as their administrative leader and supports their demands. The villagers blocking the road are now awaiting the arrival of the regional governor, Davit Gevorgyan, who, according to the village head, is already on the way.

“The governor will arrive soon, and a decision will be made,” said Henrik Hovhannisyan.