Turkmenistan has accumulated significant water reserves in its reservoirs this winter, surpassing even the projected values. Satellite images analyzed by "Meteozhurnal" confirm this. Nurmuhammed Khanamov, who oversaw the construction of the Karakum Canal, explained that this is due to natural reasons: the Amu Darya river is at its highest level in three years.
As of February 15, 2024, the surface area of the Kopetdag reservoir exceeded 40 square kilometers, surpassing its projected area of 33 square kilometers. The area of the Howuzhan reservoir is also above its projected level. The excess water is attributed to increased consumption from the Amu Darya river.
Khanamov highlighted that the Turkmen side can regulate water intake from the Amu Darya through sluices at the entrance of the Karakum Canal. However, water distribution is governed by international agreements that are strictly adhered to.
The replenishment of the reservoirs was made possible by the return of the Amu Darya river to its 2019 level in the summer of 2023, allowing Turkmenistan to accumulate water reserves. Even the Tuyamuyun reservoir, located at the lower reaches of the Amu Darya, was filled, indicating favorable water conditions.
The issue of water supply in Central Asia has always been critical. In recent years, the Karakum Canal, built in Soviet times, has faced criticism for water losses. Khanamov disagreed with critics, stating that water losses do not occur due to seepage but rather due to the need for dredging the canal bed.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan is constructing its own canal, the Kosh Tepa, on the Amu Darya. Once operational, neighboring countries will receive significantly less water. Afghanistan's water consumption is currently not accounted for in the water sharing agreements, raising concerns about future water allocation in the region.
