Uzbekistan Says Excessive Water Withdrawal from Qosh Tepa Canal Could Create Risks

Uzbekistan's Water Resources Minister Shoukat Khamrayev has warned that if Afghanistan withdraws more than two billion cubic meters of water from the Qosh Tepa Canal and potentially up to four billion cubic meters, it could create risks for Uzbekistan's agriculture.

Khamrayev explained that a withdrawal of about two billion cubic meters of water would not have a serious impact on Uzbekistan. However, he cautioned that four billion cubic meters could create risks for its agricultural sector.

The Uzbek minister noted that his country recognizes Afghanistan's right to use water from the Amu Darya. Yet the specific volume of water that is withdrawn remains the main topic of discussion between the two countries.

According to the minister, implementation of the Qosh Tepa Canal project is currently halted primarily due to a lack of electricity for pumps.

The Taliban have accelerated work on the 285-kilometer canal since they returned to power. The project is expected to irrigate 580,000 hectares in northern Afghanistan by drawing water from the Amu Darya.

Phase one of the canal, which stretches 108 kilometers from the Amu Darya to Dawlat Abad district, was inaugurated in Miizan 1402 and was completed ahead of schedule.

The second phase, which is 177 kilometers long, is now under survey and design.

The full Qosh Tepa Canal is 285 kilometers long, measures 8.5 meters in width, and transfers 668.4 cubic meters of water per second.