Construction of HPP suspended as locals protest in Pankisi Gorge

55 people, including 38 police officers and 17 civilians, were injured during a clash in the country’s Muslim-populated Pankisi Gorge earlier today, where locals opposed the construction of a small hydropower plant.

Peri ltd was supposed to start construction of the 5.4 MgWt Khadori-3 HPP this morning, but the local population firmly opposed.

The protest grew into a serious clash between civilians and law enforcers, who were mobilised “to ensure security and order” around the construction site.

Certain part of local citizens opposed to law enforcers. Police equipment was damaged, law enforcers and civilians were injured”, the Interior Ministry said.

An investigation is underway to reveal those responsible for the violence. 

Giorgi Gakharia and other state officials met with locals of Pankisi Gorge. Photo: Interior Ministry press office

Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia was among the ministers who visited Pankisi Gorge and met with the local population. 

The minister said after the meeting that although the construction works have been suspended for now, those who have violated the law will be strictly punished.

We have postponed [construction] of HPP and agreed on that it will only be built if 90 percent of the population supports the idea”, Minister Gakharia said.

He also underscored that the company responsible for the construction works will continue negotiating with the locals.

Photo: Giorgi Aladashvili/RFERL

The Government Administration released a special statement concerning today's developments. Prime Minister's office stressed the country’s “energy independence and energy security is among the government’s main priorities” and that interests of local population should also be considered.  

The administration said Peri ltd is carrying out construction works of Khadori-3 and plans to construct yet another small HPP in the region. However, both HPPs are “small and green” hydropower plants, which will not badly affect the environment, but rather contribute to the local economy.

The statement also reads that apart from HPP construction, the company took responsibility to improve road and energy infrastructure in the region as well as to implement other social projects that will be beneficial for the locals of Pankisi Gorge.