Central Asian Countries Allocate Water Resources to Kazakhstan
Turkistan and Kyzylorda regions to receive 11.1 cubic kilometers of water by April 1
According to an agreement reached at the 85th meeting of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC) in Tashkent, the Turkistan and Kyzylorda regions in Kazakhstan will receive 11.1 cubic kilometers of water by April 1. The agreement was made between Kazakh Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov and Central Asian countries. This water supply will ensure the necessary resources for the next growing season in both regions.
The Shardara reservoir is expected to receive 11.1 cubic kilometers of water, while the Dostyk interstate canal will intake 487 million cubic meters of water. Additionally, 1.6 billion cubic meters of water will be directed towards replenishing the Aral Sea.
During the meeting, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan also signed a protocol on the forecast mode of operation for the reservoirs in the basins of the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers. The parties also established limits on water withdrawal for the non-growing season of 2023-2024.
To ensure effective management of water resources, the Syrdarya Basin Water Organization has been instructed to monitor the operation of the reservoir cascade and immediately notify Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan in case of any deviations from the forecast.
Kazakh Minister Nurzhan Nurzhigitov emphasized the importance of joint efforts in ensuring the reasonable use and conservation of water resources in Central Asia.
The ICWC, the only interstate body authorized to make binding decisions on water allocation and use, will hold its 86th meeting in Kazakhstan early next year.
