Yerevan, April 2 – Mesrop Manukyan, a member of the ‘Mother Armenia’ faction of the Yerevan City Council, has voiced serious concerns about the environmental situation on Monte Melkonyan Street in Yerevan. According to Manukyan, a significant amount of construction waste has accumulated in an unseen part of the street, with or without the city authorities’ permission, leading to severe air pollution.
Alarming Air Pollution Levels Reported
Manukyan highlighted that according to the Yerevan Municipality’s GIS system, the air in this specific area is the most polluted in the city. He directly questioned Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Deputy Mayor Tigran Avinyan about the lack of action against those responsible for this environmental damage.
Accusations of Corruption and Inaction
In a video published alongside his statement, Manukyan wrote, “Questions to Nikol Pashinyan: In Yerevan, in an unseen part of Monte Melkonyan Street, with the permission of the city authorities or, even worse, as a result of their INACTION, a large construction waste dump has been formed.” He further added, “According to the municipality’s GIS system, the air in this area is the most polluted. Nikol Pashinyan, can you tell us what is holding you back from punishing those responsible for this situation?”
Manukyan suggested that the inaction might be linked to upcoming elections, implying that Pashinyan’s supporters might be involved in the illegal dumping for monetary gain, at the expense of public health. He also criticized Tigran Avinyan, asking if the function of his public order department is only to fine “poor and miserable” people, or if it should also prevent such disgraceful situations.
Allegations of Illegal Dumping and Financial Incentives
Manukyan further claimed that, according to rumors, 10,000 drams are paid for dumping one truckload of waste. He urged investigative bodies like the Investigative Committee, National Security Service, and State Supervision Service to take action, questioning their silence on the matter.
He unequivocally stated, “With full responsibility, I say that the main culprit for air pollution in Yerevan is the Civil Contract Party, in the person of the city authorities (unclear construction permits, uncontrolled construction, burning of cut tree branches in Avan administrative district, creation of a construction waste dump in the city center… the list is endless).”
Discrepancy in Green Initiatives
Manukyan also pointed out a significant discrepancy in the city’s green initiatives. He mentioned that around 5 billion drams were spent on the creation and maintenance of green zones, but only 5044 trees were planted. He sarcastically remarked, “Only they know when they will manage to plant their promised 10 million trees.”
This incident is not an isolated one, as Manukyan has previously raised concerns about various issues related to city management, including ineffective asphalt paving in minus temperatures, misuse of 400 million dollars from the Yerevan budget, and discrepancies in road construction projects.
The allegations highlight a growing concern among some city council members and residents regarding transparency, environmental protection, and effective governance in Yerevan.
Source: https://www.pastinfo.am/hy/news/2026/04/01/%D5%A1%D5%B2%D5%A2%D5%AB-%D5%AF%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%B4%D5%A1%D5%B6-%D5%B4%D5%A1%D5%BD%D5%AB%D5%B6/1963648
