Sochi picketers state destruction of the resort because of build-up of "green zones"

In the course of the picket held in Sochi against the construction in the "green zone" of the Primorskaya Embankment, the protesters demanded from the authorities to change the urban policies and take measures to preserve the remaining greenery.

The June 23 picket was provoked by the start of the construction of a mineral water pump-room in the "green zone". The picket was attended by about 50 activists.

According to the protesters, the decision to build the pump-room was made without consulting the residents. The fact that the construction was launched on June 22 was treated by Lyudmila Shestak, the organizer of the picket and a Deputy of the Sochi City Council from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (CPRF) as an act of blasphemy.

"The green zone was driven over by MAZ and KamAZ trucks, which rushed to bring in concrete and remove the topsoil. Now, instead of grass and trees we see a crater, covered with concrete," Lyudmila Shestak told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

"The build-up of this mini-park is the last drop into the cup of people's patience; therefore I'm here. This lawlessness is discussed in social networks of Sochi," said the blogger Denis Irsky, who came to the action. He added that he hoped that public opinion would somehow influence the officials, who define the town-planning policy.