Azerbaijani IDPs' great return to liberated Zangilan starts

Today begins the Great Return to Azerbaijani territories liberated from [Armenian] occupation - the resettlement of residents to liberated Zangilan District's Aghali village, built on the basis of the "Smart Village" concept.

Before the occupation, this administrative territory united three villages, according to APA.

At that time, 40 families (154 people) lived in the First Aghali, 60 families (245 people) lived in the Second Aghali, and 161 families (675 people) lived in the Third Aghali villages. Currently, the total number of families from these villages makes up 352 (1,504 people). In the first stage, 41 families are resettled in Yeni Aghali village.

Families resettled at the initial stage were selected among those living in the most difficult conditions in temporary accommodation, and the amount of living space offered for resettlement was taken into account. Among the resettled, there are residents of all three villages of Aghali.

The distribution of houses was carried out by lot on the basis of the rules currently in force for the provision of new housing to internally displaced persons, based on the principles of transparency and fairness.

Among the first settlers are pensioners, students, housewives, as well as engineers, sales cashiers, watchmen, gardeners, agronomists, teachers, doctors, persons engaged in small business activities, etc. There are specialised personnel in the field of services, healthcare and education. Relocated families were offered jobs corresponding to their professions.

Under the current legislation, internally displaced persons within three years after returning to their permanent place of residence will be able to take advantage of social protection measures established for them by the state.

Some time ago, TABIB [Azerbaijani Management Union of Medical Territorial Units] started a medical examination of families resettled in the village of Aghali.

It should be noted that on May 27, 2022, the opening ceremony of the first stage of the Smart Village project took place in Zangilan District's Aghali village. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the ceremony.

A Public Services Centre has been established in the village square. The district branch of Azerpocht LLC, the ASAN [Azerbaijani State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations] Service Centre, the DOST [Agency for Sustainable and Operational Social Security] Centre, and the Centre for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Businesses will work here.

Modern urban planning standards have been applied in Aghali village. Factors such as "smart" street lighting, construction of warm and cold-resistant ecological houses, household waste management, and installation of solar panels are integral parts of this concept.

The village will also have a family wellness centre, a kindergarten, and a rural secondary school.