Kazakhstan reconsiders the water issue with Uzbekistan

By the end of 2023, Kazakhstan plans to revise the agreement with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan regarding the utilization of resources from the Syrdarya basin. This opportunity is outlined in the concept of water resources management for the period of 2023-2029.

The brief description of the document indicates that the current water agreement has been in effect since 1998. This document governs the use of Syrdarya resources for irrigation and energy purposes.

Under the present circumstances, the surplus electricity generated by hydroelectric power stations is allocated to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. In return, Kyrgyzstan receives energy, financial, and commercial services from its neighboring countries.

Water scarcity is a significant and escalating problem in the region. Climatologists predict that the pressure on water resources in some countries of the region will increase by 2.8 times by 2040. By 2050, the Syrdarya's volume may diminish by 15 percent.

The detailed contents of the document are currently unknown.

We would like to remind you that on November 30, 2022, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan signed an agreement on specific sections of the state border between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan and the joint management of water resources from the Andijan (Kampirabad) reservoir. Laws ratifying this agreement were also signed.

As per the agreement with Kyrgyzstan, the total length of the border line between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan was determined to be 302.29 kilometers, consisting of 35 sections. Additionally, Uzbekistan will acquire 4,957 hectares of the Andijan (Kampirabad) reservoir and an additional 19.5 hectares for dam maintenance and protection. In compensation, Kyrgyzstan will receive 1,019 hectares of pastureland.

The document stipulates that the Uzbek side must maintain the water level in the reservoir below 900 meters and ensure the unrestricted use of resources by the Kyrgyz people (for watering animals, irrigation, and fishing). Furthermore, they have agreed not to install any engineering or technical facilities around the reservoir.

The Kyrgyz side is committed to establishing water protection zones and ensuring compliance with the water usage regulations.