- As you know, this watershed problem is very complex, and its urgency is increasing worldwide. Climate change is leading to a reduction in glacier areas and water reserves, so it is clear that this issue needs to be addressed both bilaterally and multilaterally. This problem affects both the countries located downstream of rivers and those with water supply sources, as well as consumer countries. We believe that countries located downstream need to negotiate among themselves about which hydropower plants are better to build, in which locations, and what the reservoirs should be like, - noted the ambassador. - As for Kyrgyzstan and the ongoing construction of the hydropower cascade, it will consist of four, five, or six hydropower plants. We are talking about small reservoirs that will not affect the water discharge of the Naryn River, which is the main source for the formation of the Syr Darya. Regarding the Kambarata hydropower plant, which is in the approval stage, it is worth recalling that this project was developed back in the Soviet years in Tashkent. And all negotiators – the Kyrgyz, Uzbek, and Russian sides – need to sit down at the table and present technical calculations. The construction of the Kambarata hydropower plant will allow both the Kambarata and Toktogul hydropower plants to operate in a mode where water will be discharged to Uzbekistan during the growing season. Currently, the "Toktogul" operates mainly in the winter period to provide electricity to everyone, and water goes to Uzbekistan when it is not needed there. After the launch of the Kambarata hydropower plant, it will be supplied specifically during the growing season.
It is also necessary to calculate the possibilities of water accumulation for subsequent discharge in favor of farmers in the downstream countries and their risks. For this, qualified specialists are needed – representatives from all countries in the region whose interests are directly or indirectly affected by the hydropower project.
- Therefore, when the project was considered, there was an idea of joint management and participation in the construction of the hydropower plants by four states: Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. The project is still in the development stage, a feasibility study is being prepared, and the height of the future dam is being determined… Therefore, there is time for both politicians and energy specialists to resolve all issues while taking into account and respecting mutual interests. Kyrgyzstan can also be understood: water and glaciers are a great energy potential and a national treasure of the republic. How to manage it is the republic's business. But at the same time, the republic must consider international law and the interests of the countries downstream of the rivers. I believe that there are all possibilities for these negotiations, - concluded Krutko.