The inflow to Aral Sea Exceeded by Five Times
Since the beginning of the year, two billion cubic meters of water have been sent to the Aral Sea. The inflow has exceeded the values of previous years by five times, as reported by the government of Kazakhstan.
The reservoir will be filled to 100% capacity for the first time in five years. As of early October, the water volume in the lake’s northern part was 22 billion cubic meters. Another 500 million cubic meters will be sent to the Aral Sea by the end of the year.
The change in inflow has already resulted in a decrease in water salinity and an increase in the fish population. The fishermen’s catch has increased 20-fold, up to eight thousand tons.
Efficient water management and interstate cooperation among Central Asian countries have increased water inflow to the Aral Sea. However, experts are concerned about a significant water shortage due to melting mountain glaciers.
Kursiv Uzbekistan reports that the construction of the Kosh-Tepa canal in Afghanistan could lead to a loss of 250,000 jobs in Uzbekistan.