Capacity of Tuyamuyun Reservoir to be Increased by 1 Billion Cubic Meters

The "Uzbekistan–2030" Strategy project outlines key targets for ensuring the rational use of water resources in agriculture, modernizing irrigation infrastructure, expanding land reclamation efforts, and implementing public-private partnership (PPP) mechanisms.

According to the draft strategy, enhancing the sustainability of water supply in agriculture and reducing water losses are identified as top priorities. To achieve this, plans include the phased transition of main and inter-farm canals to concrete lining, improving the reclamation status of irrigated lands, reducing areas with high groundwater levels, and increasing private sector involvement in sector management.

Key performance indicators of the project include:

• Increasing the total length of concrete-lined main and inter-farm canals to 13,100 kilometers (46%), out of a total network of 18,700 kilometers, of which 66% currently have earth channels;
• Reducing saline areas on irrigated lands to 1.7 million hectares through the construction and reconstruction of land reclamation facilities;
• Decreasing areas with problematic groundwater levels to 773,400 hectares.

Furthermore, the project highlights the development of irrigation systems and water-saving technologies, private sector engagement, and the broad application of public-private partnership mechanisms as a distinct strategic direction. Specifically, the following is envisioned:

• Increasing the number of water management facilities transferred to management under public-private partnerships to 2,012;
• Expanding the capacity of the Tuyamuyun Reservoir by an additional 1 billion cubic meters, which will improve water supply for 1.2 million hectares of land and facilitate the creation of drinking water reserves.

According to the project, the implementation of these measures is expected to reduce water losses, improve the reclamation status of land, ensure sustainable agricultural yields, and provide a systemic modernization of the water supply infrastructure.