Uzbekistan has announced its decision to supply Kazakhstan with 922 mn cubic meters of water through the Dostyk canal during this year's irrigation season, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan reported.
The decision was unveiled following the participation of Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, in the 86th meeting of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC), which comprises Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The meeting served as a platform to discuss pertinent issues regarding the region's water resources and foster cooperation among member states.
Nurzhan Nurzhigitov emphasized the importance of prioritizing the collection and distribution of floodwater, highlighting its crucial role in various regions, including the southern areas of Kazakhstan.
"Our first priority now is to collect the floodwater. We send it to the Caspian Sea, Balkhash, and Kamysh-Samar lakes, from the Ulytau region to the lakes of the Kyzylorda region, etc. But at the same time, it is important to provide water to the southern regions. And in this matter, water diplomacy is very important," stated Nurzhigitov.
Discussions during the ICWC meeting also revolved around the current state of water resources in the region, with particular attention paid to reservoir levels. 4.8 bn cubic meters of water have been accumulated in the Shardara reservoir in the Turkestan region, while the Toktogul reservoir in Kyrgyzstan boasts 8 bn cubic meters of water, playing a pivotal role in facilitating irrigation activities in southern Kazakhstan.
The approval of the forecast schedule for the operation of the Naryn-Syr Darya cascade of reservoirs until September 30 of this year marks a significant milestone in ensuring the efficient management of water resources in the region.
Furthermore, initiatives aimed at enhancing international water and energy cooperation, including the development of a draft agreement between Central Asian countries, were deliberated upon, underscoring the commitment to fostering collaborative efforts in addressing common challenges.
The forthcoming meeting of the ICWC scheduled for September in Turkmenistan signals the continuation of dialogue and cooperation among member states, as highlighted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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