22 September 2008, 12:50
Wide-scale construction underway in Moon Meadow in Adygea, tourists say
The virgin nature of the Caucasian Reserve is not only is built up with objects that are absolutely alien to it, but is also gradually transformed into a closed zone. This is the conclusion of tourist and nature amateur Gennady Klyon, who headed a group of Moscow tourists and was careless enough to approach the Moon Meadow in Adygea.
The story began in the middle of August when Mr Klyon led a group of Moscow tourists through Lagonaki Plateau, bypassing the Fisht-Oshten Massive towards Babuk-Aul. "As prescribed, we took permits to cross the territory of the Caucasian Reserve, where the above sites are the components," the tourist said to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.
Having approached the Moon Meadow, the tourists saw a building constructed in refined European style, and a builder's van placed almost on the tourist's track. "When we came still closer," said Gennady Klyon, "we saw a militiaman, who obviously made his way towards us. He demanded that we bypass the van at the distance of about thirty meters."
The militiaman asked us to show photo cameras and delete all the photos of the object under his guard. Done with the photos, he said: "Go and don't stop until you disappear."
Already in Babuk-Aul, one of the huntsmen told the tourists that gravel for concrete works in the Moon Meadow is illegally excavated from the Shakhe River.
"All these events have cut me to the heart," the tourist has explained. "The knowledgeable people told me that this project is backed up by no less than the Administrative Office of Russian President and "Rosneft" State Company. And I decided to do at least the small that I can - to disclose these facts."
Author: Aslan Shazzo, CK correspondent