The 'Blackening' of Shaki Waterfall Water is Also a Surprise for Environmentalists

The report regarding the 'blackening' of the water at Shaki Waterfall came as a surprise to environmentalists. In an interview with 'Factinfo', environmentalist Inga Zarafyan stated that they had not observed such a phenomenon, although it is possible that it has occurred in the past.

“It may have happened in the past, but we were not aware because we are not there every day. The local residents would know about it better,” said the environmentalist.

It was noted that there were reports circulated online about the water at Shaki Waterfall having 'turned black'. The Ministry of Environment explained that cleaning works are being carried out in the catchment area above the waterfall, and the sludge and sediment accumulated at the bottom of the catchment are being cleaned, flowing with the water.

Environmentalist Nazeni Vardanian also struggled to recall a similar incident related to the 'blackening' of the water at Shaki Waterfall but noted that the water flow from Shaki has significantly decreased.

“The water from Shaki Waterfall is used for hydroelectric power plants, which is unacceptable. This is a problem because the water is diminishing, and the waterfall is losing its appearance. The waterfall must be water-rich to retain its character. I don't know how it has been in the last two years, but when tourists were visiting, they would pay the HPP to release water, just to see the waterfall,” stated Nazeni Vardanian.

Earlier, the acting Minister of Environment of Armenia, Romanos Petrosyan, reported that there is no need for concern, as the change in water color is due to the annual works carried out in the waterfall's catchment area. “Once a year, cleaning works are done in the catchment above Shaki Waterfall, where the sludge and sediments accumulated at the bottom are cleaned and flow with the water. Because of that, the water has taken on this color for some time,” said Petrosyan.