Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan took decisive steps to restore the Aral Sea during the 85th meeting of the interstate water coordination commission in Tashkent.

As a result of the meeting, a protocol was signed on the forecast mode of operation of the cascade of reservoirs in the basins of the Syrdarya and Amu Darya rivers. According to this document, 11,1 cubic kilometers of water will flow to the Turkestan and Kyzylorda regions of Kazakhstan by April 1, reports daryo.uz with reference to the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

“Before April 1, it is predicted that 11,1 cubic km of water will flow into the Shardar reservoir, and the expected water intake through the “Dostyk” interstate canal will amount to 487 million cubic meters of water. This will permit accumulating the required volume of water for the growing season of 2024 in the Turkestan and Kyzylorda regions, as well as supplying 1,6 billion cubic meters of water to the Aral Sea”, - the report says.

During the meeting, a limit on water intake for the non-growing season 2023-2024 was approved, and the Syrdarya basin water management organization was instructed to monitor the operating mode of the cascade of reservoirs in the river basin.

As noted by the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Kazakhstan Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, the meeting of the interstate water coordination commission was fruitful.

“We managed to quickly resolve issues that were very important for the entire region. For example, agree on the volumes of water intake from the Syrdarya and Amu Darya rivers. Only through joint efforts will we be able to ensure the reasonable use and saving of water resources in Central Asia”, - he said.