The deputy demanded to speed up the construction of a HPP on the Altyn-Dara river
The Jogorku Kenesh again called for the intensification of work on the construction of a reservoir and an accompanying diversion channel on the Altyn-Dara River, located in the Chon-Alai district of Kyrgyzstan. This statement was made by Deputy Akkulu Berdiyev, expressing bewilderment at the current suspension of this ambitious project.
According to the parliamentarian, the implementation of this project involves not only the construction of a reservoir, but also the construction of a small hydroelectric power station. The stated goal is to develop from seven to ten thousand hectares of new land in the district, which, according to the deputy, is critically important for the development of agriculture in Chon–Alai. “But for reasons unknown to us, this project has been suspended for today. I want to appeal to the Ministry of Agriculture and Bakyt Torobayev, let them start construction already,” Berdiev stressed, pointing out the urgent need to resume work.
However, initiatives to build any hydraulic structures, especially in mountainous areas with their vulnerable ecosystems, inevitably cause serious concern. The construction of a dam and the creation of a reservoir on the Altyn-Dara River can lead to irreversible changes in the hydrological regime of the river, affect the biodiversity of both aquatic and coastal fauna and flora. There are questions about possible flooding of territories, changes in the microclimate and the potential impact on traditional migration routes of animals or grazing conditions for the local population.
Any HPP project, even classified as “small”, requires a thorough environmental assessment and the development of comprehensive measures to minimize the negative impact on the environment. Statements about the need to accelerate construction without public discussion of the results of such examinations and mitigation plans are alarming. The interests of the agricultural development of the region are certainly important, but they should not be achieved at the cost of long-term damage to nature, which may ultimately have a negative impact on agriculture itself and on the quality of life of people.
The situation around the project on the Altyn-Dara River highlights the classic conflict between the desire for economic growth and the need to preserve the fragile natural balance. The suspension of the project, the reasons for which, according to the deputy, are unknown, may be due to the need for additional research or reassessment of its environmental and social consequences. Transparency in this matter and an open dialogue with all stakeholders, including environmentalists and the local population, are key to making a balanced and responsible decision.
Alexander Eskendirov (Rivers.Help!)
Original (in Russian): Депутат потребовал ускорить строительство ГЭС на реке Алтын-Дара
