Old dams, new rules: dams and canals to be checked in Kazakhstan
A large-scale inventory and assessment of the condition of hydraulic structures and canals, which have been exerting significant pressure on natural waterways and ecosystems for decades, is underway in Kazakhstan. The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan initiated a multifactorial survey of 134 such facilities, which is only part of a more extensive program. In total, by the end of 2028, it is planned to thoroughly study the technical condition of 557 hydraulic structures, many of which were erected decades ago and whose aging or improper maintenance may pose a direct and serious threat to the environment.
The essence of a multifactorial survey is not a formal verification, but a deep and comprehensive analysis that allows you to determine the true technical condition of each hydraulic engineering facility and all related equipment. Based on the data obtained, the volumes and specific types of urgent repair and restoration work will be determined. These measures are vital to prevent potential accidents that can lead to unpredictable and devastating environmental consequences, such as uncontrolled flooding of vast territories, chemical or biological pollution of water resources, as well as irreversible disruption of existing local and regional ecosystems. It should be noted that last year the relevant ministry has already conducted similar comprehensive surveys at 84 facilities located in 14 regions of the country, exceeding the originally planned figures. This indicates a growing understanding of the scale of the problem and the seriousness of intentions to ensure the safety of these potentially dangerous anthropogenic structures.
Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerbolat Ibraikhanov explained that, according to the new Water Code, owners of hydraulic structures are now strictly required to conduct multifactorial surveys of their facilities every five years. Based on the results of such a thorough inspection, a declaration of the safety of the hydraulic structure should be drawn up, which must be registered with the relevant basin water inspection. This innovation clearly reflects the growing concern of society and the state about the potential cumulative negative impact of human activities on water resources and natural landscapes, as well as the desire to strengthen control over facilities whose serviceability and safe operation are critically important for the ecological well-being of entire regions and the preservation of biological diversity.
Alexander Eskendirov (Rivers.Help!)
