- Armenia plans to simplify the legal procedure for riverbed cleaning.
- Amendments were discussed in final reading on May 7 in Parliament.
- The initiative stems from 2024 flood aftermaths in Tavush and Lori.
- Key change: eliminating the requirement to obtain a water use permit.
- Government will develop regulations to govern waste removal processes.
New Legislative Amendments Target River Waste Removal Bottlenecks
On May 7, Armenia’s National Assembly held a final reading of proposed amendments to the Water Code, aimed at streamlining the procedure for cleaning riverbeds across the country. Deputy Minister of Environment Tigran Gabrielyan introduced the initiative, stating that the current permit process has proven inefficient, particularly in emergency situations.
Floods in 2024 Prompt Urgency for Regulatory Change
The amendments follow severe river overflows in May 2024 that struck several communities in the Tavush and Lori provinces, later declared disaster zones. In the aftermath, authorities recognized the need for rapid riverbed cleaning to prevent future disasters and minimize the impact of accumulated household waste in waterways.
Permit Requirements to Be Dropped for River Cleaning
Gabrielyan noted that under the current rules, cleaning riverbeds requires a water use permit from a competent authority, adding delays and bureaucratic hurdles. The proposed changes will allow for the removal of this requirement, granting the government the authority to issue new regulations tailored to waste removal from river systems.
Focus on Transparency and Efficiency in Environmental Management
The government will also clarify related legal norms to ensure that all actors involved in waterway management operate under a clear, unified framework. The proposed legal instruments aim to improve responsiveness, reduce administrative burdens, and enhance environmental safety in vulnerable regions.
Source: National Assembly of Armenia