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Individuals and non-governmental organizations have been trying to clean, feed and heal the broken wings of the oil-soaked storks in Armenia’s Hovtashen community for a few days already.

Panorama.am has submitted inquiries to relevant state structures amid allegations on their inaction to find out that Armenia’s Nature Protection and Soil Inspection Body has only now launched administrative proceedings into the matter.

The structure said in a response letter that ‘the source of pollution for the birds is the fat layer on the water bodies in Hovtashen community.’

By the way, it was known from the beginning, but the question is who is responsible for this “oil layer”.

“Laboratory examinations have been carried out in the water areas of the site, including in various sections of Hrazdan River and surrounding canals.

“In order to carry out a study and identify the substances in the rivers, the affected storks have been transported to the Scientific Center for Zoology and Hydroecology SNCO of Armenia’s National Academy of Sciences,” the body said.

The structure added that inspections are also being conducted in the business entities functioning in the area in an attempt to find out the key source of pollution.

“After comparing and summarizing the results of the laboratory tests conducted by the Scientific Center for Zoology and Hydroecology SNCO and the Nature Protection and Soil Inspection Body, the prepared materials will be submitted to law enforcement agencies.

“The issue is under the spotlight of the Inspection Body,” the response said.

It’s good that the problem is being addressed and studies are underway, but until the state structures take action, the task of saving the storks is being performed by others.