Central Asian countries divide river water

Water of Syr Darya and Amu Darya divided among five countries

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Representatives of the five post-Soviet Central Asian republics sign protocols

Tashkent

Representatives of the five post-Soviet Central Asian republics have signed protocols and agreements on the allocation of resources from the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers to ensure irrigation of agricultural lands while also preserving the ecosystems of the water bodies. The relevant data were published in the documentation of the Interstate Coordinating Water Management Commission of the region, reports Fergana.ru.

Specifically, experts have outlined water consumption limits for the 2025 growing season – that is, the period when plants grow and develop and thus require irrigation.

In Central Asia, this period lasts from April to October. A total of about 11.9 billion cubic meters of water from the Syr Darya will be used for agricultural needs.

These resources will be distributed among the countries as follows:

Uzbekistan – 8.8 billion cubic meters

Tajikistan – 1.9 billion cubic meters

Kazakhstan (via the Dustlik canal) – 909 million cubic meters

Kyrgyzstan – 270 million cubic meters

The water intake limit from the Amu Darya between April and October of this year is nearly 40 billion cubic meters. Most of this will be diverted up to the Kerki hydrological post, where experts monitor water quality and forecast consumption.

The Amu Darya basin waters will be distributed among the countries as follows:

Uzbekistan – 16 billion cubic meters

Turkmenistan – 15.5 billion cubic meters

Tajikistan – 7 billion cubic meters

In addition, water will be supplied to the river delta and the Aral Sea – this will account for 2.1 billion cubic meters of resources.

The report also details how the republics use Amu Darya water outside the growing season. According to experts, all three countries have stayed within their consumption limits. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have used over 90% of their allocated resources, while Tajikistan proved the most frugal – its usage slightly below 80%.

It is also noted that from October last year to March 2025, over 1.5 billion cubic meters of water were delivered to the river delta and the Aral Sea. Analysts will continue to monitor resource distribution to ensure fair and efficient water use in the region, the report states.