Unveiling Threats to Bazaleti Lake: An Investigation into Ongoing Construction and Environmental Hazards

The Bazaleti Lake may dry up as a result of the increased use of well water in the area for the development of new settlements. This increased use of well water is depleting the underground water sources that feed into the Bazaleti Lake. If this trend continues, it could lead to a significant decrease in the lake's water levels, potentially causing it to dry up completely.

The lake's primary water source is underground, as highlighted by Davit Kereselidze, Professor and Head of the Department of Hydrology, Oceanology, and Meteorology at Tbilisi State University. To better understand the intricate connections between the lake and its hydrological surroundings, collaboration with experts is crucial. Also, Professor Kereselidze emphasizes the necessity of studies to analyze the causes behind the declining water level and the impacts of nearby development projects on the lake.

https://youtu.be/WCl1IxUqzvk mobile interview with a hydrologist.

Our conversation with the professor underscored a crucial point: the lake's precarious situation is closely tied to the extraction of well water. With no natural inflow or outflow, the lake faces a heightened risk of depletion.

In the early 20th century, the lake covered about 3.3 square kilometers, but over the next two decades, it significantly shrank. By the 1980s, it had lost half of its original size, reducing to around 1.5 square kilometers. The surrounding area in the photo shows fewer buildings. By the early 2000s, the lake had expanded to approximately 2.3 square kilometers. However, new challenges emerged, including increased water extraction for agriculture and the impacts of climate change, such as more frequent droughts and reduced rainfall. In 2016, the vicinity had only a few structures, and the lake's area measured 1.45 square kilometers. As of 2022, it had further diminished to 1.32 square kilometers.

https://cdn.knightlab.com/libs/timeline3/latest/embed/index.html?source=1F6dDT1qusQEM8tYH-XnSvpYnalTSqVZB5ynkgnvgCaA&font=Default&lang=en&timenav_position=top&debug=true&hash_bookmark=true&in _ Lake size change chronological timeline,

Through the use of Google Maps, we have identified around 80 existing wells surrounding the lake. Many of these wells are privately owned and utilized for personal water needs. Unfortunately, due to the absence of regulations, individuals are discharging water containing chemicals back into the soil. Over the years, this practice has contributed to the pollution of the lake.

Local interviews shed light on the issue as residents discuss the lake pollution problem and delve into the underlying reasons and causes contributing to the drought conditions affecting the lake.

https://story.interviewjs.io/htUgNAp3hiNmW2DXqh6DDW/ _interwievs with locals

Additionally, various companies are currently engaged in construction projects in the surrounding region. Notably, Vista Group is undertaking one of the largest construction endeavors, known as the Villa Vista project, comprising a total of 97 houses. As of now, they are utilizing three wells for the ongoing construction of this project.

While Vista Group did not respond to our emails regarding the project, a representative from the company confirmed during a phone conversation that they have indeed utilized wells for the construction, ensuring a reliable water supply for the project.

The verified theory suggests that there is a building project in progress that could endanger the lake. Key characters in this scenario are portrayed, along with the questions that need to be addressed to shed light on the situation in order to forward our inquiry.

• Do the companies involved in construction around Bazaleti Lake possess valid licenses for their projects?
• Under what conditions were these licenses granted to the companies, especially considering the potential environmental impact on Bazaleti Lake?
• Can the National Agency of Mineral Waters or Dusheti Municipality confirm if there are adequate regulations in place to oversee and control well construction, particularly those owned by businesses?
• What actions, if any, are being taken by Dusheti Municipality to regulate and monitor construction projects around Bazaleti Lake?
• Are there any regulatory gaps or shortcomings identified by the National Agency of Mineral Waters in overseeing business-owned construction in the area?
• Have the companies involved, especially Vista Group, provided any justification or explanations for their construction practices and water usage in response to the ongoing environmental concerns?
• Who bears responsibility for the environmental hazards arising from the ongoing construction around Bazaleti Lake?

We tried to get information about the new construction projects around Bazaleti by sending inquiry letters to the Dusheti Municipality Mayor. Specifically, we asked for detailed construction plans from the Vista Group and an assessment of the impact on local water resources. Unfortunately, they declined to share this information, citing Article 2, Subsection "b" of Georgia's General Administrative Code:

“Per Article 2, Subsection "b" of Georgia's General Administrative Code, an interested party refers to a natural or legal person, administrative body, or any entity for whom an administrative-legal act has been issued. Additionally, it includes those whose legal interests are directly affected by the actions of an administrative body.”

However, it's worth noting that we have requested information as independent journalists, andArticle 3 of the same law states that its provisions, except for Article 17, don't apply to the media when they are processing data for informing the public. This means, according to the law, the refusal to provide information may not be justified when it comes to the media seeking information for public awareness.

During the investigative process, a 25-year license was discovered on the official website of the National Agency of Mineral Resources. This license was associated with an LLC center linked to the Hotel Complex Bazaleti, which has been utilizing well water for its business for nearly 15 years and uses three wells for this. The furthest well to the lake out of these three is located 352 meters away from the shore, the next one is located 227 meters away; and the closest one reaches out to 137 meters from the water.

An inquiry was submitted to the national agency, seeking environmental damage evaluation documents for this project. Additionally, information was sought about the criteria based on which the 25-year license was granted to this business and details on other licenses issued in the vicinity. Unfortunately, the National Agency of Mineral Resources declined the inquiry, withholding information on this specific license and others granted in the area.

3 wells of Hotel Complex Bazaleti

To advance the inquiry, it was crucial to identify the key players responsible for the situation surrounding Bazaleti Lake. Understanding the regulatory landscape and determining individuals or bodies involved in granting licenses for such developments was a primary goal.

The following information was sought:

Identification of Responsible Authorities: determining the regulatory bodies or individuals responsible for granting and overseeing these licenses.

While awaiting official responses, the National Agency of Mineral Waters was contacted by phone as a representative of the lake's surrounding area. The inquiry was about the permissions required to construct a well. According to their response, building a well could be done without prior permission. Instead, after completion, the well could be registered (licensed) by the agency.

This indicated a lack of stringent control over construction regulations. Although it was an example related to a well for local use, it raised suspicions that the National Agency of Mineral Waters might not regulate business-owned construction as rigorously.

As the investigation unfolds, questions persist regarding construction licenses, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory oversight. The looming environmental hazards demand clarity on responsibilities. Bazaleti Lake's fate hangs in the balance, contingent on urgent and transparent interventions.

Authors: 

Tamar Gogotchuri

Tamar Mtchedlidze