Yerevan develops 4-year program to reduce air pollution
YEREVAN, February 10. /ARKA/. The Yerevan City Hall has developed a four-year program aimed at reducing air pollution. This issue was discussed at a working meeting in the city administration on Monday, although the program's cost and sources of funding were not disclosed.
According to Mayor Tigran Avinyan, air pollution is largely due to natural and climatic conditions. "However, there are also anthropogenic factors, including construction, mining, transportation, heating, and landfills," he said.
The mayor noted that the city's main task will be to introduce new regulations addressing these anthropogenic factors.
"We must act proactively, whether it is within our responsibilities or a legislative initiative. This is our duty. We commit to promoting this program and working with our partners, moving forward while taking their opinions into account," the mayor stated.
The air pollution situation in Yerevan
Environmental issues in Yerevan have long been a topic of discussion. In recent months, residents have been complaining about smog and the smell of burning in various areas, which intensified in the early days of winter. In some parts of the city, the level of PM2.5 (particulate matter suspended in the air) has exceeded "very unhealthy" levels.
Kristina Vardanyan, an associate professor at the Department of Hygiene and Ecology at Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi and a member of the Yerevan Council of Elders from the opposition faction "National Progress," stated in an interview with the Novosti-Armenia news agency that without effective measures to address air pollution, the situation could become catastrophic.
Earlier, Mayor Tigran Avinyan dismissed the claims that "the air quality in Yerevan is very poor and the air is excessively dusty" as myths. He stated that the air quality in the city is within normal limits and disagreed with the widespread view that the city's ecology is poor and that dust levels exceed the norm.
