Water supply plan for Aral Sea nearly 100% completed for first time in five years

The water supply plan for the Aral Sea has been nearly 100 percent completed, with 977 million cubic meters of water sent to the sea. This has happened for the first time in the last five years. Previously, 350-400 million cubic meters were supplied, and by the end of this year, an additional 500 million cubic meters are expected. The volume of water in the Northern Aral Sea now stands at 22 billion cubic meters.

«During summer irrigation seasons in previous years, the flow to the Aral Sea was 7-10 cubic meters per second. This year, it increased to 60-70 cubic meters per second – 10 to 11 times more,» said Zeinulla Kaztoganov, Deputy Head of the Aral-Syrdarya Basin Inspection.

Also, over 45 million cubic meters of water were directed to the Akshatau, Sorgak, and Kamystybas lakes, benefiting fisheries and tourism. The reduced mineralization of the Aral Sea has contributed to an increase in fish populations. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, in collaboration with the World Bank, is developing the second phase of a project to preserve the Northern Aral Sea. It will focus on sustainable water supply and the development of economic and social initiatives.

Web-editor: Гайни Жумабек