Today, the 67th meeting of the Commission on Efficient Use of Water Resources was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Commission Shahin Mustafayev.
This was reported to elchi by the Cabinet of Ministers.
In order to ensure the efficient use of water resources and coordinate activities in this field, a Commission consisting of relevant state agencies was established by the Decree of the Head of State dated April 15, 2020.
Within the framework of the activities of the Commission on Efficient Use of Water Resources, regular necessary measures are being implemented to ensure planned, coordinated, and optimal use of water resources for drinking water supply, irrigation, energy, and other purposes, with strict control over the operating regimes of the main reservoirs in the country. In this regard, the main focus is on the cascade-type Shamkir-Yenikend-Mingachevir-Varvara reservoir systems located on the Kura River, the cascade-type Araz-Khudaferin-Giz Galasi reservoir systems located on the Araz River, and the cascade-type Takhtakorpu-Jeyranbatan reservoir systems, which are mainly fed by the Samur River.
At the meeting held today, among other issues on the agenda, detailed discussions were held on regulating the operating regimes of the country’s main reservoirs in accordance with the high-water period.
It should be noted that, according to the forecast data of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, water resources are expected to be higher during the current year’s high-water period compared to previous years.
Regarding the recent increase in water resources along the Kura River, we state that, taking into account high-water and low-water phases over the years, as well as high-water periods (April, May, and June), the system of reservoirs located on the Kura River is being regulated in an operational and optimal manner under the control of the Commission within the framework of the multi-year regulation principle.
At the meeting, the State Water Resources Agency of Azerbaijan provided detailed information on the increase in water levels in the Kura River and its tributaries—Turyanchay, Goychay, Girdimanchay, Gargar-chay, and others—as a result of intensive rainfall in recent days, the current situation in the surrounding districts, and the preventive measures taken against potential damages.
It was stated that the currently observed increase in water levels is related to hydrometeorological conditions, is local in nature, and is accompanied by increased pressure on protective dams in some areas.
It was noted that the local operation departments of the State Water Resources Agency of Azerbaijan, together with other relevant agencies, are working in an enhanced mode, the situation is under strict control, and appropriate measures are being taken to ensure the unobstructed and safe passage of excess water volumes to the Caspian Sea.
In conclusion, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Commission Shahin Mustafayev gave relevant instructions to the relevant state agencies regarding the efficient use of water resources, ensuring safe water flow in water and water management facilities during the high-water period, and strict adherence to the operating regimes of the country’s main reservoirs.