Residents of Kalmykia demand to solve problem with drinking water shortage

The problem with shortage of drinking water violates the rights of Kalmyk residents. This was claimed by participants of a rally in Elista. They called for the implementation of a project to build a water pipeline to supply water from the Volga River to Elista and the northern regions of Kalmykia.

The rally was organized by the Kalmyk regional branch of the "Yabloko" Party. The action took place in the evening of August 15 and gathered about 50 people. This was reported by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent who attended the rally.

While opening the event, Batyr Boromangnaev, the chairman for the local branch of the "Yabloko" Party, has emphasized that "Kalmykia is the most 'water-deficit' region in Russia."

In a conversation with the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent, Batyr Boromangnaev has recalled that during the 1980-1990s, in Kalmykia, "the Northern Group Water Pipeline was constructed."

"The pipelines almost reached Elista. Meanwhile, starting from the 2000s, the laid pipes began to disappear. Law enforcers instituted 15-20 criminal cases on the facts of the illegal dismantling of pipes. However, no one was punished," noted Batyr Boromangnaev.

The rally was ended with adoption of a resolution addressed to the authorities of the republic and the country. According to the participants of the action, "there is the need to resume the implementation of the project on construction of a water pipe."

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.