According to him, samples taken from rivers are tested in laboratories. Currently, there are no significant changes in our rivers compared to previous years. The situation varies from season to season. For example, the impact of waste discharged into the river is substantial in summer, because of the shortage of water, whereas these effects decrease during periods of high water.”
The director of the Center also mentioned the restoration of the monitoring system in the liberated territories and stressed that the quality of water in the transboundary rivers is under constant control.
“Those of our rivers that flow through the territory of Armenia are at the greatest risk of pollution. The concentration of toxic waste in these rivers is higher. We also studied the data from Armenian sources. Various reports point out that rivers are so contaminated with waste from the factories in Armenian territory that they are no longer suitable for irrigation. This is an extremely difficult case. The high concentration of toxic elements in the water is a serious hazard to human health. Azerbaijan is taking measures to prevent these actions of Armenia. This issue is included in international reports and covered in various water-related projects. Certain international organizations are currently implementing projects to improve water quality in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. They want Armenia to ensure water quality too. I believe these projects can make an impact on the existing problem in some way,” Rafig Verdiev said.
He added that the quality of water in the rivers flowing through the industrial and mining regions of Armenia is very poor.
“We see during the monitoring that the level of pollution in the local rivers in the liberated territories is higher than the norm. Of course, the reason is years of inefficient use of natural resources and the dumping of hazardous substances and waste into rivers. I believe that over time we will be able to bring the rivers to their pre-occupation state, to ensure that they meet the necessary standards.”
Translated from Caliber.az
Aze.Media