Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov summed up the results of the implementation of the first phase of the sea conservation project, Kazinform reports.
As reported by the press service of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, following the results of the first phase of the project to preserve the Northern Aral, the volume of water in the sea increased by 42% and reached 27 billion cubic meters. The salinity of the water decreased almost four times, and the annual volume of fishing increased to 8 thousand tons. The minister stated this during a meeting with residents of the Aral region of Kyzylorda.
In addition, the head of the department discussed with local residents the implementation of the second phase of the project to restore the Northern Aral Sea.
To implement the instructions of the Head of State, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has developed the project “Regional Development and Restoration of the Northern Part of the Aral Sea”. The project covers three main areas. In particular, measures are envisaged to increase the volume and efficiency of water accumulation in the Northern Aral, improve water resource management, develop fisheries and ecotourism, and improve the ecological state of the region.
In 2024, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation sent about 2.6 billion cubic meters of water to the Aral Sea. During the irrigation period, a record volume of 1 billion cubic meters of water was sent.
This became possible due to the competent distribution of water from the Syr Darya River and its conservation. For comparison, in 2022, only 816 million cubic meters of water entered the Aral Sea.
– These figures are the result of systematic work carried out over the past two years. We have reached mutual understanding with neighboring countries on issues of saving and fair distribution of water resources in transboundary rivers. We have taken concrete steps. We will continue negotiations and make every effort to maintain a stable level of important reservoirs. The Aral Sea restoration project is aimed, first of all, at improving the environmental situation in the region, developing fisheries and tourism, and improving the well-being of the population, – noted the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov.
After the public discussion, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov personally talked to local residents. The meeting was attended by the deputy of the Majilis of the Parliament Marhabat Zhaiymbetov, representatives of the water sector of the Kyzylorda region, scientists and experts.
Kazinform agency previously wrote about the results of water diplomacy and scientific research in saving the Aral Sea. In addition, a forest is being planted on the bottom of the dried-up Aral Sea . National and private companies have been involved in planting forests on the dried-up bottom of the Aral Sea.
https://www.inform.kz/ru/obem-vodi-v-severnom-araleuvelichilsya-na-42-fad93d
