Central Asian Countries Reach Key Deal on Shardara Reservoir Water Inflow for Winter Season

Central Asia has taken another step toward stronger water cooperation.

At the 91st session of the Interstate Coordinating Water Commission (ICWC) in Ashgabat, water authorities from Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan agreed on the projected water inflow to the Shardara reservoir for the upcoming non-growing season, The Caspian Post informs via Kazakh media.

The meeting brought together top officials, including Kazakhstan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, who highlighted that despite difficult climate conditions during the 2025 irrigation season, coordinated efforts ensured stable vegetation and fair water distribution.

During the session, the parties reviewed the results of the 2025 growing season and approved the forecasted operation schedule for the Naryn-Syrdarya reservoir cascade for 2025-2026. They also discussed progress on commitments made at summits of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS).

Kazakhstan reported withdrawing 11.01 billion cubic meters of water for agricultural needs in 2025, with 98% used in the country’s southern regions. Officials emphasized that regional collaboration remains essential as climate challenges intensify.

The next ICWC meeting is scheduled for 2026 in Tajikistan. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are preparing to strengthen cooperation in both the energy and agricultural sectors - a move expected to support long-term water and resource stability in the region.