Talks between the heads of water and energy agencies of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan have concluded in Tashkent. The main outcome of the meeting was the signing of a trilateral protocol that fixes agreed volumes and schedules for water releases from the Toktogul reservoir for the next two months.

“Ensuring sufficient moisture for the southern regions during the growing season was a key agenda item. The signing of the protocol guarantees compliance with the water release schedules from the Toktogul hydroelectric plant and eliminates uncertainty for farmers at the start of the season. This will allow Kazakh and Uzbek farmers to go through the initial stage of irrigation works without disruptions,” reported 24.kg, citing Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Energy.

The countries agreed to act in stages to ensure stable water supply until the end of the agricultural season.

The next in-person meeting of agency heads is scheduled for mid-June in Bishkek. It is planned to finalize schedules and sign water release volumes for the subsequent critical months of July, August, and September.

The signing of the current protocol confirms the high efficiency of the interstate water-energy balance mechanism.

Source: kun.uz