The water volume of the Northern Aral Sea has increased to 24 billion cubic meters. This is higher than the planned result. These figures were achieved in three years. Initially, it was planned to bring the water level to 20.5 billion cubic meters. This was announced by the industry ministry, according to 24KZ.

Over 20 years of systematic restoration work, the area of the Northern Aral Sea has grown by 36 percent, the volume of water has almost doubled, and mineralization has halved.

The ministry holds regular meetings with the population of the Aral Sea region. On the agenda are options for the further restoration of the Northern Aral Sea. As a result, a decision was made to expand the existing Kokaral dam. It is expected that this will increase the volume of water in the Northern Aral Sea to 34 cubic kilometers, with a filling period of up to five years. The technical version of the project is currently under review by an interdepartmental expert commission.

At a meeting of the National Kurultai in Kyzylorda, the President once again raised the issue of the Aral Sea. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that the issues require a systematic and international approach. Moreover, it is not only the fate of the Aral Sea that is at stake. Kazakhstan will have to build agreements with neighboring countries on other strategic water bodies – the Caspian Sea, the Irtysh, and Lake Balkhash.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan:

- Most of Kazakhstan's major rivers originate in neighboring countries. The volume of the Syr Darya's flow into the sea varies depending on the water policies of the states located in the upper reaches of the river. Consequently, the solution to many problems is linked to skilful water diplomacy. Agreements on the joint use of water resources have now been concluded with all the countries of Central Asia.

An international environmental summit will be held in Astana in April. There, the heads of state participating in the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea will discuss the problems of the sea.

Source: https://24.kz/ru/news/ekologiya/750693-plan-na-operezhenie-v-severnom-arale-uvelichili-obem-vody

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-geneva/press/news/details/1157912?lang=kk