Minister of Water Resources and irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov discussed the implementation of the second stage of the project to restore the northern part of the Aral Sea with residents of the Aral region. The meeting was attended by deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament Markhabat Zhaiymbetov, representatives of the water industry of Kyzylorda region and scientists-experts.
According to the results of the first stage of the North Island Conservation Project, the volume of water in the sea increased by 42% and reached 27 billion cubic meters. The salinity of sea water decreased almost four times, and the annual fishing rate reached 8 thousand tons.
In order to implement the instructions of the head of state, the Ministry of Water Resources and irrigation is developing a project "Regional Development and restoration of the northern part of the Aral Sea". The project includes 3 main directions. In particular, important measures are envisaged to increase the volume and efficiency of water storage in the North Aral Sea, improve water resources management, develop fisheries and ecotourism, and improve the environmental situation in the region.
It should be noted that the Ministry of Water Resources and irrigation sent about 2.6 billion cubic meters of water to the island in 2024. Of these, during the irrigation period, a record volume of water went - 1 billion cubic meters.
This became possible as a result of the competent distribution of Syrdarya water and its savings. In comparison, in 2022, only 816 million cubic meters of water were sent to the island.
"These results are the result of systematic work carried out over the past two years. We have taken concrete steps to achieve mutual understanding with neighboring countries on the issue of water conservation, fair distribution of Water Resources in transboundary rivers. In the future, continuing such negotiations, we will make every effort to maintain a stable level of important reservoirs. The project aimed at restoring the island is aimed primarily at improving the environmental situation in the region, developing fisheries and tourism, and increasing the welfare of the population,"Minister of Water Resources and irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov said.
After reports on the main directions of the project, the meeting continued in the format of "open microphone". Residents of the district shared their views on the implementation of the project and received answers to their questions. Nurzhan Nurzhigitov received citizens personally after a public discussion.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/water/press/news/details/916527