The Kazakhstan government is set to initiate the construction of 20 reservoirs, each with a capacity of 2.4 km³, between 2024 and 2026 across nine regions of the country. Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov chaired the water management council meeting where this plan was discussed, the Prime Minister's press service reports.
Experts anticipate that the construction of these reservoirs will expand irrigated land by 250,000 hectares and mitigate flooding risks in 70 settlements. The crucial aspect is that the activation of these reservoirs will diminish Kazakhstan's reliance on neighboring countries by 25%. Presently, 46% of the republic's water supply comes from its neighbors.
To ensure water security, the government has formulated a comprehensive plan for water resource development from 2024 to 2030. In conjunction with constructing the new reservoirs, the plan includes upgrading 15 existing reservoirs, extensive reconstruction of irrigation systems, digitization of irrigation canals, and modernizing the strategically significant Satpayev canal.
The comprehensive plan aims to achieve several objectives:
- Increase water resources by 3.7 km³.
- Expand irrigated land by 2.2 hectares.
- Reduce annual irrigation water loss by 3 km³.
- Provide water to 41 settlements with over 55,000 inhabitants.
Incentives for agricultural producers to adopt water-saving technologies include a boost in government subsidies for specialized irrigation equipment purchases from 50% to 80%. This initiative is expected to significantly increase irrigated land and save up to 1.5 km³ of water in the coming years.
Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov emphasized the active involvement of local companies and construction material manufacturers, along with the development of a space monitoring system to track water consumption. Smailov highlighted the need to accelerate key tasks, including creating the National Hydrogeological Service, reforming "Kazakhvodkhoz," establishing the Institute of Caspian Sea Problems and identifying an organization responsible for approving irrigation tariffs, network monitoring, and digitization.
Statistical data presented at the meeting revealed that Kazakhstan possesses 102.3 km³ of water, with 54% generated within the country. Annual water consumption by economic sectors is approximately 25 km³, with 65% allocated to agriculture and 25% to industrial needs. The republic boasts 17,736 rivers and temporary watercourses, 4,024 lakes, 4,540 springs, and 13,175 water management facilities.
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