Archaeological sites were damaged during the construction of the Tsalka-Manglisi gas pipeline in Eastern Georgia. This was reported by the National Agency for the protection of cultural heritage of Georgia.

The incident occurred in the Tsalka municipality. According to Goderdzi Narimanishvili, an employee of the archaeological center of the Georgian national Museum, the builders dug up a mound of the bronze age, as well as damaged burials of the late middle ages. The Professor noted that the contractor company did not have a project approved by the relevant Department. At the same time, he points out that in the area of earthworks there were tombstones that are simply impossible to miss.

Currently, the construction of the gas pipeline is suspended. Agency employees have already visited the site. Specialists have familiarized themselves with the degree of damage to objects.

In the near future, the Georgian gas transport company (GGTK) will have to agree with the Agency on the conditions under which it will be possible to resume work. These rules will be based on the findings of an archaeological study.

"At the request of GGTK, a qualified group will study the cultural layers on the project route of the gas pipeline. Thereby it will be possible to completely eliminate unforeseen incidents. At the same time, the company performing the work will have to provide archaeological supervision at the construction stage, " the Ministry said.

The mound and burials identified during construction are promised to be cleared after examination. If materials and artifacts that are of cultural value are found, these items will be placed in the Museum's storage.

Goderdzi Narimanishvili notes that similar cases have occurred in Tsalka before. According to him, the archaeological sites were also damaged during the construction of the road and the drilling of an artesian well. The Professor believes that this situation arose due to the inaction of investigative agencies and the negligence of officials.

"The Agency for the protection of cultural heritage reacts to all the facts, but representatives of the authorities and private companies continue to destroy archaeological sites. All citizens of Georgia are obliged to observe the Constitution and the law. Violators must be brought to justice, " Narimanishvili wrote on his Facebook page.

apsny.ge