Central Asian countries agree on water volume for Chordara Reservoir

Central Asian countries have reached an agreement on the expected water volume for the Chordara Reservoir during the inter-vegetation period. This was reported by the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan.

According to the report, on November 13 in Ashgabat, the 91st meeting of the Interstate Coordination Commission for Water Management was held with the participation of heads of water management agencies from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and an observer from Kyrgyzstan.

During the meeting, the parties reviewed the results of the 2025 vegetation period and approved the operational plan for the Naryn-Syrdarya reservoir cascade for the 2025–2026 inter-vegetation period. Within the framework of this plan, the expected water volume to reach the Chordara Reservoir was agreed upon.

“Central Asian countries have agreed on the expected water volume for the Chordara Reservoir during the 2025–2026 inter-vegetation period. The previous irrigation season occurred under complex climatic conditions, but thanks to the cooperation of all countries within the Interstate Coordinating Water Commission (ICWC), a stable vegetation period was ensured. Such meetings create a foundation for future cooperation,” said Nurjan Nurjigitov, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan.

Participants also discussed implementing tasks set by the heads of state during summits of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. The next, 92nd meeting of the ICWC will be held in Tajikistan.

For context, the Chordara Reservoir is a hydraulic structure built on the middle course of the Syrdarya River for irrigation and energy purposes. It is located in Kazakhstan’s South Kazakhstan region and Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh region. Construction was completed in 1965, and the reservoir was filled with water between 1965 and 1968.

Previously, it was reported that Central Asian countries plan to develop joint production sites under the “Made in Central Asia” brand.