Negligent management of Armenia’s water resources has brought the country to a dangerous situation whose consequences are still not fully understood by society. This was stated by physicist and deputy chairman of the Armenian National Congress, Aram Manukyan.
According to him, the uncontrolled exploitation of artesian waters has become a particularly serious threat for Armenia. Manukyan stressed that underground water reserves are strategically important for all countries, while in Armenia their use often exceeds acceptable limits.
One of the reasons, he noted, is the fish farming sector. Around 25,000 tons of fish are produced annually in Armenia, which, in his opinion, is disproportionate to the country’s water resources.
Manukyan stated that several years ago groundwater levels in some areas had fallen by as much as five meters.
“This is a direct threat of ecological disaster,” he said.
Although some recovery is currently visible, depletion of underground water layers could lead to serious geological consequences, including landslides, soil displacement, and increased seismic risks.
Water as a strategic resource
Manukyan pointed out that in several mining regions around the world, emptied underground areas are filled with water in order to prevent soil movement and related dangers.
In his assessment, disruption of Armenia’s water balance may also become a long-term problem.
According to him, preventing negative scenarios requires preserving as much of Armenia’s water resources as possible within the country.
Manukyan stated that Armenia currently manages to use only 31–32% of its own water cycle, while the remaining water flows through rivers into neighboring countries, including Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Georgia.
Considering that the world may face “water wars” in the future, countries capable of effectively managing and preserving their water resources will hold stronger positions.
For this reason, Manukyan believes Armenia should already be taking steps to preserve the maximum possible amount of water coming from the atmosphere, precipitation, and underground sources.
He proposed doing this through the construction of new reservoirs, restoration of the Arpa–Sevan tunnel, and regulation of the Sevan–Hrazdan cascade.
The Arpa–Sevan tunnel and a new reservoir system
In this context, Manukyan highlighted the full restoration of the Arpa–Sevan water tunnel as a key project.
According to him, restarting the tunnel would raise the level of Lake Sevan, improve the energy efficiency of the Sevan–Hrazdan cascade, and create additional water and energy reserves.
“Please listen carefully. The Arpa–Sevan reservoir system, water channel, and tunnel are currently not functioning. They must be reopened. It is not a difficult or expensive project. The water level of Sevan will rise slightly. That increase will improve the energy capacity of the Sevan–Hrazdan cascade,” Manukyan stated.
He also proposed building a major reservoir capable of regulating both water and energy systems.
If necessary, water release could increase energy production, while storage periods could reduce it.
“This additional water does not enlarge Sevan itself because the lake releases through the cascade the same amount of water it receives. That water then flows into other reservoirs, particularly the Yeghvard reservoir, which could become Armenia’s second-largest reservoir with a capacity of 230 million cubic meters. This would create a powerful energy, water, environmental, and agricultural system,” he said.
According to Aram Manukyan, implementation of this program would solve numerous problems for Armenia, including strategic ones, while ensuring that Armenian water remains in Armenia and serves the country’s interests.