In Sochi, ecologists block Olympic construction on Cape Vidny

Today in the morning, fifteen ecological activists have blocked the construction works in the territory of Cape Vidny, Khosta District of Sochi, where they are currently laying the railway track and building a new tunnel. Both objects are elements of the Olympic construction programme.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported earlier that the confrontation of ecologists and the OJSC "RZD" (Russian Railways) continues on the cape for more than a year. During this time, the territory of the cape has become unrecognizable, since dozens of Pitsunda pine trees and other trees were cut down; and paved roads and reinforced concrete structures have been erected.

Alexander Solodsko, Chairman of the Presidium of the Sochi Branch of the Russian Geographical Society, believes that the conducted works destroyed a significant amount of red-book plants, including Teline monspessulana and certain orchid varieties. These plants grew within the natural monument "Pitsunda pine grove", the borders of which were not clearly defined.

This time ecologists' demands comprised three points: a complete stop of construction until a positive conclusion of the ecological examination is received; objective investigation of ecological crimes committed on Cape Vidny; and approval of the borders of the monument of nature with account of the public opinion.

When ecologists stood next to the construction equipment, workers tried to continue their work, but were unable to do so because of the need to observe safety measures. Thus, the work of the drill, excavator and other equipment was paralyzed.

Soon the place was attended by the employees of the security company headed by its boss Vladimir Missalitin, who offered ecologists and journalists to leave the site; however, the securities had no legal grounds to insist on evacuation. Then, one of the securities grabbed one of the protesters and tried to pull him away from the drill; however, the attention of journalists and intervention of human rights activists forced him to stop his action.

Policeman Vakhtang Sakaruli has ordered the inspector, who is in charge of this district, to request the necessary documents; that is, to check – within 10 days – the facts indicated by the ecologists. After this decision was made, ecologists decided to suspend their action. Let us note here that after receiving the results of the examination, ecologists expect to meet Sochi Mayor Anatoly Pakhomov and other stakeholders involved in addressing the issue.