Residents of several villages in the Tver region have appealed to President Dmitry Medvedev to change construction plans for a new Moscow-St. Petersburg highway that require the demolition of about 50 houses, Moskovsky Komsomolets reported Wednesday.
The highway, already mired in a scandal over the partial destruction of the Khimki forest, is to pass through the Velmogovo, Medvedkovo and Reshetnikovo villages.
Village administration officials have refused to approve the plan, which has not been discussed with residents, the report said. About 300 locals petitioned Medvedev to change the route.
An alternative route was axed by Medvedev’s predecessor, Vladimir Putin, in 2007 because it passed through the outskirts of the Zavidovo wildlife reserve that houses a presidential residence, the report said.
(MT)
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
