Illegal Water Use Cases Discovered in Rural Areas

Employees of the Environmental and Mining Inspectorate have discovered cases of illegal water use during monitoring activities aimed at protecting water resources in the regions of Armenia. According to reports from the Inspectorate, H.M. engaged in fish farming in the Tashir community of the Lori province illegally drew from surface water resources, while the company "MERI-FISH" in the Marmarashen community of the Ararat province has unlawfully utilized water from a borehole without the necessary permits.

A 200,000 AMD administrative fine has been imposed on H.M., while the official of "MERI-FISH" is facing a fine of 2,000,000 AMD. In the Vagarshapat community of the Armavir province, the company "EDJMIATSNI TRANSPORT`` LLC illegally extracted water from a borehole for cooling a gas station, also lacking a water use permit.

The damage caused to water resources is reported to be 626,994 AMD, and a report has been submitted to the Investigative Committee of Armenia regarding the apparent crime. Furthermore, 13 citizens in the communities of Armavir, Jrarat, Hatzik, Lukashin, and Haikavan have exploited a total of 13 boreholes for irrigation and domestic drinking purposes without any water use permits.

By decisions of the heads of the territorial divisions of the Inspectorate in Lori, Ararat, and Armavir, all illegal water uses have been suspended.