The ongoing construction of the Qosh Tepa Canal along the Afghan side of the Amu Darya River valley has sparked apprehensions of water scarcity in neighboring Uzbekistan, particularly in its southern regions, Cabar Asia reported.
The canal, spanning 285 kilometers, aims to alleviate water shortages for millions of Afghans affected by recurrent droughts. However, its implications for downstream countries like Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are raising alarms amid escalating concerns over climate change-induced water scarcity in Central Asia.
Construction of the Qosh Tepa Canal gained momentum following the Taliban's ascent to power in Afghanistan in March 2022. Divided into three phases, the project's first phase concluded last September, with the second phase inaugurated on October 11, 2023. The full completion of the canal is anticipated by 2028.
The Amu Darya River, Central Asia's largest river, is pivotal for the region's water resources, spanning 2,540 kilometers and covering an area of 309,000 square kilometers. Uzbekistan, a downstream nation, currently faces challenges as its annual water withdrawal from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya river basins exceeds the stipulated limit, resulting in a 20% deficit.
In Uzbekistan's Surxondaryo region, situated along the banks of the Amu Darya, concerns are mounting over the potential exacerbation of water scarcity with the operation of the Qosh Tepa Canal. Farmers fear a dwindling water supply, which could hamper agricultural activities vital for livelihoods.
Kamoliddin Kosimov, a seasoned farmer in the Termez district, emphasizes the critical role of Amu Darya's water for his agricultural endeavors. While his immediate proximity to the river currently ensures uninterrupted water access, he apprehends adverse consequences if the canal diminishes the river's flow downstream.
The impact of reduced water flow from the Amu Darya is already palpable in districts like Sherobod and Oltinsoy, where agricultural productivity is dwindling due to water shortages. Sobir Karimov, a resident of Gyulchinor village, laments the failure of water supply initiatives, rendering vast arable lands unutilized.
Environmental experts echo concerns over the ecological ramifications of the canal's construction, anticipating adverse effects on flora, fauna, and the overall ecosystem of the Amu Darya basin. Rakhmatilla Pardaev, head of the Surxondaryo Hydrometeorology Department, warns of heightened desertification and health hazards due to decreased humidity and airborne pollutants.
In response to the impending water crisis, Uzbekistan is implementing water-saving technologies and advocating for diplomatic engagements with Afghanistan to address transboundary water management. However, the absence of Afghanistan's participation in regional water agreements poses challenges to collaborative solutions.
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