Armenia’s Ministry of Nature Protection reports that it is proceeding with its plan to dismantle illegal underground wells in the provinces of Ararat and Armavir.

The Ministry says that staff inspectors, in cooperation with local officials, toured thirty communities in the provinces, compiling lists of wells to be taken off line.

Illegal underground water wells have sprung up in the area in recent years to spur fish farming, a sector that while profitable for owners has caused environmental damage to artesian water resources.