Armenian National Assembly on June 22 adopted a number of legislative amendments providing for compensation for the lack of irrigation water due to diversion of water from Lake Sevan. In particular, for the increase in water intake from Lake Sevan for irrigation purposes from the previously provided 170 million to 320 million cubic meters.
"Sevan is a very fragile, breathing organism that responds instantly to the slightest change. Water intake can affect both fish stocks and biodiversity. On the lake there is a bird characteristic of the marshlands, "- said Adamian Friday at a news conference.
She said that earlier Environmental Public Union has prepared two statements in the name of the Speaker of Armenian parliament Hovik Abrahamian appeals to give them the opportunity to attend the hearing on Sevan, but were denied that, in her opinion, is a violation of the Aarhus Convention.
According to Adamian, moreover, in the parliament considered to be false arguments of the Union of inappropriate diversion of water from the lake.
In turn, the chairman of the NGO "Ecolur" Inga Zarafyan also opposed the construction of reservoirs in the basin of the lake, noting that Sevan itself is a natural reservoir and is of strategic importance for Armenia.
In addition, she said, the construction of other reservoirs can reduce the supply of drinking water, the lake which provides not only Armenia, but also the whole region.
Lake Sevan is one of the largest alpine lakes in Europe and Asia, is located in the heart of the Armenian plateau, at an altitude of 1914 meters. The lake is the main source of drinking water in the region. The level of Lake Sevan, as of January 1, 2012 is 1900, 13 m.
