Burning of Grasslands Along Ejmiadzin-Ararat Road Prompts Minister to Contact Police

Environmental Minister Romanos Petrosyan has contacted the police regarding the burning of grasslands on both sides of the M-5 road between Ejmiadzin and Ararat. He announced this on his Facebook page.

“Video footage is circulating on Facebook groups regarding the burning of grasslands along the Ejmiadzin-Ararat M-5 road. Under my urgent directive, relevant communications will be sent to the Police of the Republic of Armenia, the Ministry of Emergency Situations RA, the Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body, and the Ararat Regional Administration to thoroughly investigate the incident and clarify the circumstances,” he wrote.

It is noteworthy that according to Article 21 of the Law on Atmospheric Air of the Republic of Armenia, it is prohibited to burn scrublands, lands with plant residues, and dry vegetation in agricultural, forested, and specially protected nature areas. It is also prohibited to burn household and industrial waste, as well as waste generated before leaf-fall, in natural environments, in residential areas, and around them, as well as in boilers, stoves, and other devices not intended for such burning.

I thank those who reported this situation. I urge all citizens of Armenia to immediately report similar incidents to the Police of Armenia, the Environmental Protection and Mining Inspection Body, or contact the Ministry of Environment,” he added.