Protest rally against Namakhvani HPP construction is underway in Gumati settlement near the west Georgian town of Kutaisi.
Rioni gorge guards are not allowed to enter Namakhvani. Police restricted the movement in the gorge. Consequently, protesters set up an additional tent in Gumati.
Riot police and water cannon vehicles are mobilized in the gorge.
Locals and the so-called Rioni Gorge Guards have been protesting against HPP construction for more than five months.
The non-governmental sector sees the agreement between the Georgian government and the Turkish company ENKA Renewables Ltd as favourable for the investor and believes construction poses several risks.
The Georgian government and ENKA Renewables Ltd signed an agreement back in 2019.