Vartsikhis Tsqalsatsavi, stuwmeer in Georgië, Georgië
Vartsikhis Tsqalsatsavi is a large reservoir in the Imereti region that stretches across a wide area and holds clear water reflecting the sky and surrounding trees. The water basin was created on the Rioni River where the Khanistskali and Kvirila rivers converge, with Ajameti protected area bordering its eastern side.
The Vartsikhis reservoir was built as part of a hydroelectric project in the late 20th century, with construction carried out during the 1970s and 1980s. The project was designed to harness water flow for electricity generation and created a new water reserve on the Rioni River system.
The name Vartsikhe refers to the historical settlement that has long defined this region. Today, locals use the reservoir for fishing and leisurely walks, showing how the water remains central to community life and recreation.
The reservoir sits near the village of Vartsikhe, just a few kilometers from the town of Baghdati and is accessible via roads that pass through fields and forests. Visitors can walk along the shores, watch for wildlife, and find simple accommodations in nearby guesthouses.
The reservoir operates as a working hydroelectric system where water flows through pipes to generate clean energy, yet its surface appears calm and peaceful to visitors. Water levels shift with seasons and rainfall, giving the place a natural rhythm that changes throughout the year.
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