Kazakhstan’s Water Strategy Sees Early Success in Northern Aral Sea

The Northern Aral Sea has reached a water volume of 24.1 billion cubic meters, exceeding the long-term targets outlined in Kazakhstan’s national water resources management strategy.

This milestone was achieved well ahead of schedule, marking a significant success in the country’s efforts to rehabilitate and manage its water systems, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazakh media.

Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov emphasized that a feasibility study is underway for the Northern Aral Sea conservation project with the support of a World Bank grant. One option under review includes raising the Kokaral dam by two meters and constructing a hydroelectric complex to stabilize water levels in the Akshatau and Kamystybas lake systems, reported the ministry’s press service on Sept. 10.

“The project aims to expand and improve the water supply to the Northern Aral Sea, restore the Syr Darya river delta, reduce salt removal from the seabed, and foster the fisheries industry in the Kyzylorda Region, ultimately improving the living conditions of local communities,” he said.