Scientists urge for road improvement in Tusheti and Svaneti

Tbilisi, Georgia: The National Academy of Sciences of Georgia held a meeting of the comprehensive study committee of Mtianeti problems, where the main topic of discussion was the development of road infrastructure in Tusheti and Svaneti, two remote mountain regions in eastern and western Georgia.

The reporter, Dr Miron Pirtshelan, the educated secretary of the commission, said that the Georgian mountains have been providing food and security for the country for centuries. Still, they are now facing the risk of isolation and depopulation due to the lack of proper roads.

He emphasized the strategic importance of Tusheti and Svaneti, which border Russia and have historically defended the Georgian territory from invasions. He also pointed out the potential of these regions for tourism, as they attract visitors with their unique natural and cultural heritage.

However, he lamented that the current road conditions deter tourists from returning to these areas and hinder the local communities’ economic and social development. 

He said that the only road connecting Tusheti with the rest of Georgia crosses the 9,350-foot-high Abano Pass, one of the most dangerous roads in the world. He added that the situation could be much better on the Tsova-Tusheti road, which is treacherous and often impassable.

He urged the government to take urgent action to solve the issue of the Svaneti and Tusheti roads and allocate sufficient funds and resources for this purpose. 

He said that the National Academy of Sciences of Georgia and the Comprehensive Study Commission of Mtianeti Problems have been working on this topic for a year and have prepared a detailed report with recommendations and proposals.

The meeting was attended by famous scientists, members of the commission and representatives of Tusheti and Svaneti, who expressed their support for the initiative and their hope for a positive outcome.