Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan and other countries in the region have approved water withdrawal limits for the Amu Darya and Syr Darya river basins for the 2026–2027 non-growing season.
The decision was made at the 95th meeting of the Interstate Coordination Water Commission, held in the Avaza National Tourist Zone in Turkmenistan.
Uzbekistan’s delegation was led by Minister of Water Management Shavkat Khamraev. Representatives of water management authorities from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan also attended the meeting.
Participants discussed the rational use of water resources, water allocation among countries and the development of regional cooperation.
Khamraev presented an update on conditions in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basins during the 2026 growing season, including water use indicators and water availability.
The minister stressed the need to approve water withdrawal limits and forecast operating schedules for reservoir cascades for the 2026–2027 non-growing season through coordinated action.
He also highlighted the importance of coordinating water management systems, improving water accounting and monitoring, modernising hydrological monitoring stations and introducing digital technologies.
Particular attention was paid to the timely exchange of information and consultations in response to changes in hydrological conditions.
Participants also examined the reliability of data transmitted from the Kerki hydrological station and issues related to the proportional allocation of water among users in the upper, middle and lower reaches of the Amu Darya.
The meeting heard reports from the Amu Darya and Syr Darya basin water management associations on compliance with water withdrawal limits during the 2026 growing season and the implementation of existing reservoir operating schedules.
Participants also approved the process of preparing a plan to introduce an automated water accounting system in the Syr Darya basin.
The meeting reviewed progress in implementing tasks set at summits of the heads of state that founded the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, as well as the activities of the fund’s scientific information centre and executive bodies.
Participants exchanged views on preparations for the UN Water Conference, scheduled for December 2026 in Abu Dhabi, and the 11th World Water Forum, due to take place in Riyadh in March 2027.
Following the meeting, the parties signed a protocol and agreed to hold the 96th meeting of the Interstate Coordination Water Commission in Uzbekistan.
