Basin plans will show how much water is available in each region, how it is used, and the current condition of water resources and infrastructure. They will also include measures to modernize water management and hydraulic engineering facilities, identify and utilize additional water sources, and restore rivers and other water bodies. Special attention will be paid to preventing droughts, floods, and other water-related risks, as well as improving water management systems.

During the first stage, extensive work was undertaken to collect and analyze initial data. Specifically, information was collected on water bodies, surface and groundwater resources, natural and climatic conditions, water quality, water use, the state of water management infrastructure, and the environmental situation. Socioeconomic indicators of the relevant territories were also studied.

At the second stage, taking into account the collected data and the results of water balance calculations, existing problems and threats are identified and ranked, changes in water supply are forecast, and the risks of harmful impacts of water are assessed.

During the next stages, key goals and objectives will be defined and specific measures for the rational use and protection of water will be developed. Their impact on the economy, society, and the environment will also be assessed, after which the most effective program will be selected and a timeline for its implementation will be determined. All plans will be calculated taking into account the development of watersheds over the next 15 years.

“The basin plans will serve as the foundation for Kazakhstan’s updated water resources management system. They are being developed separately for each of the country’s eight water basins and will allow for consideration of the actual characteristics of the territories: the availability and volume of water resources, the status and development prospects of water management infrastructure, the needs of the population and the economy, the characteristics of water management areas, and the environmental situation. Based on these documents, a Master Plan for Integrated Water Resources Management will be developed, which will form a national model for water security. This document will become an important element of state planning,” said First Vice Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurlan Aldamzharov.