Kyrgyzstan to supply over 900m cbm water from Toktogul dam to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

AKIPRESS.COM - The dry hydrological cycle continues in the south of Kazakhstan since last year. The water level of the Syrdarya river is determined by accumulation of water in the Toktogul reservoir on the territory of Kyrgyzstan, Deputy Minister of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan Serik Kojaniyazov said at the special meeting in Kyzylorda region. The normal level is around 15 billion cbm of water in the Toktogul reservoir by the start of vegetation period. However, the Toktogul reservoir had 8.7 billion cbm of water by April 1.
This created difficulties for all countries where the river flows, Deputy Minister Serik Kojaniyazov said.
"Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan lack water for generation of electricity, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan lack water for irrigation," he added.
In such conditions, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan agreed to exchange electricity with Kyrgyzstan, that is to supply electricity to Kyrgyzstan before start of vegetation period. Kyrgyzstan will generate electricity at Toktogul hydropower plant in June-August when much water is required for irrigation and will this way return electrcity obtained from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and discharge water from the dam, the Deputy Energy Minister said.
"Kazakhstan supplied 300 million kWh. Kyrgyzstan will start supplying it back since June 1 until August 31. Kyrgyzstan will discharge 330 million cbm of water in June-August. Uzbekistan supplied 250 million kWh of electricity, which it will receive back in June-August and will obtain 275 million cbm of irrigation water," Deputy Minister Kojaniyazov said.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan reached agreement with Tajikistan on transit of water discharged from the Toktogul dam as part of electricity exchange arrangement with Kyrgyzstan.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan may negotiate possible additional discharge of water from the Bahri Tochik dam if necessary. Around 315 million cbm may be required more for Kazakhstan.