Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev has called on the heads of water management agencies from Central Asian countries to ensure the fair distribution of water resources in light of growing climate challenges.
Speaking at the 90th meeting of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC) in Central Asia, Bozumbayev stressed the need for coordinated action to address the difficult agroclimatic conditions facing the region.
The meeting brought together representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as officials from international financial institutions and development organizations.
The ICWC, the region’s main interstate body for the strategic management of transboundary water resources, focused its agenda on equitable distribution and operational issues.
Bozumbayev noted that the current vegetation period is unfolding under particularly strained conditions, with forecasts predicting further climate deterioration and low water levels in the coming years.
“The volume of the Shardara reservoir has dropped below average long-term levels. These are not just figures — this is a real threat to water supply in the lower reaches,” Bozumbayev said. “We must recognize that ICWC decisions are not being implemented in full, leading to serious difficulties in regulating water regimes. Time requires more dynamics from us — not just discussions and planning, but concrete measures.”
On the sidelines of the meeting, Bozumbayev held bilateral talks with the heads of water management agencies from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, discussing the approved limits and operating modes of reservoirs in the Syr Darya and Amu Darya river basins. The sides also agreed on a plan of activities to prepare for next year’s vegetation period.
The session concluded with the signing of the protocol of the 90th ICWC meeting. The next gathering is scheduled to take place in Turkmenistan.
Earlier it was reported that Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan will supply Kazakhstan with 600mn cubic meters of water over the next two weeks to mitigate drought impacts, as the Syrdarya River basin receives 30–40% less water than usual.
Follow Daryo's official Instagram and Twitter pages to keep current on world news.
Comments (0)