Water Ecosystem

In the Bakhvi 1 and Bakhvi 2 hydropower plant projects, both a fish screen and a stepped-type fish passage are provided at the headworks, which ensures the unimpeded movement of fish along the riverbed in both directions of flow. In view of high environmental standards and the requirements of the National Environment Agency, a baseline study of the river’s condition was conducted by a highly reputable ichthyology specialist, on the basis of which monitoring of the impact and the corresponding mitigation measures continues.

The operation of the Bakhvi 1 and Bakhvi 2 hydropower plants does not, at any stage, cause water pollution. It should be noted that, in accordance with international standards, water- and soil-pollution mitigation measures are provided during the construction stage.

During the operation period of the hydropower plant, Bakhvi HPP will annually carry out the restocking of the Bakhvistskali River. Each year, 39,000 fingerlings at the eyed-egg stage will be released, which is considered an effective method for increasing the fish population and is a justified practice based on the example of other hydropower plants in Georgia.