Lake Parch is Now a Target for Commercial Entrepreneurs, Says Bagrat Svmatyan

Once considered a recreational area and part of the Dilijan National Park, Lake Parch has now become a target for commercial entrepreneurs, where not only are environmental norms ignored, but the common citizen is also disrespected. This was reported by social media user Bagrat Movsesyan on his Facebook page.

“The area is managed by an unknown organization that has leased the land, operating according to its own whims and rules, even during the pandemic, neglecting mask-wearing among its employees. But that’s not all. Visitors are forced to use the services of the restaurant, completely excluding the use of food brought from home, or as an alternative, being offered overpriced stalls that aren’t even listed on a price list. And when a citizen raises their voice about their rights, they are simply expelled from the area (even though they only own the seating area).

In many cases, not even receipts are provided. But again, that's not the main issue. The key concern is the state of the area. Is the lake an environmental object? Was it necessary to transform this gem of Tavush into such a noisy, crowded, and chaotic ‘micro Disneyland’? Who are the vested interests behind these shady entrepreneurs who are willing to turn the lake into a monstrous trade and entertainment center for their financial gain, with unreasonable and inflated prices, low service quality, and gross violations of consumers’ rights?

It’s unfortunate when people speak of suffocating some natural wonder with dams or tailings, while simultaneously doing the same thing through other means.”