Turkmenistan is undertaking an ambitious environmental project in the Karakum Desert - constructing the Altyn Asyr Lake to collect and reuse drainage water.

The artificial lake will allow the country to expand the collection of collector and drainage water, enabling their reuse for agricultural and environmental purposes, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The project aims to:

Restore pastures previously flooded by drainage water

Improve the quality of irrigated lands

Address long-standing issues with soil salinization

Beyond agriculture, the lake is expected to bring broader environmental benefits. Officials say it will:

Create favorable conditions for migratory birds

Support the development of fisheries

The Altyn Asyr Lake project shows Turkmenistan’s efforts to tackle water management challenges in arid regions while enhancing land productivity and ecological balance.