The parameters of the future hydraulic structure on the Kok-Art River may change significantly. As Deputy Minister of Agriculture Baktybek Anarkulov reported during a meeting of the "Ala-Too" parliamentary group of the Jogorku Kenesh, the original plan to create a reservoir with a capacity of 17 million cubic meters is being revised in favor of lower figures.
Reasons for revision and new project options
The project changes are driven by proposals from the population. Residents are expressing concern that forest areas and recreational zones could be flooded, and there is a threat of landslides. Consequently, the possibility of relocating the dam site and reducing the volume to 10 million cubic meters is being considered. As an alternative solution, the option of constructing two reservoirs of 5 million cubic meters each is under discussion.
Planned reservoir capacity
Currently, the design institute is working with a Chinese company to determine the dam site. The feasibility study (FS) is under review, and a final decision on the project is expected in 2027.
Position of deputies
The issue of reservoir construction has sparked discussion in the Jogorku Kenesh. Mavlyuda Kalberdieva, a deputy of the VIII convocation, emphasized the need to accelerate work, noting that the lack of a dam leads to the loss of water resources flowing into Uzbekistan. According to her, this creates water supply problems for the village of Manas and the Bagysh ayyl okmotu of the Suzak district.
"We say there is no water, but it has been flowing into Uzbekistan for years. Until we build a dam, we will not be able to provide water to Manas and the Bagysh ayyl okmotu of the Suzak district."
