Groundwater protection to be strengthened

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev acquainted with the presentation of measures aimed at protection of groundwater.

Groundwater is one of the important sources of fresh water for nature and man. This resource has been depleted through irrational use. In some areas of Navoi, Samarkand, Jizzak, Kashkadarya, Namangan, Fergana and Andijan provinces the groundwater level has dropped to 5 metres.

Despite this, the drilling of unauthorized wells, uncontrolled and unrecorded use of groundwater continues. In this connection, in accordance with the President's instructions, proposals have been drawn up to strengthen the protection of groundwater and regulate its use.

For example, it is proposed to introduce a moratorium on the drilling of wells and the use of groundwater in areas where the water table has dropped more than 5 metres.

At present, 90 percent of wells are not equipped with meters, so it is not possible to keep accurate records of groundwater discharge. This means that groundwater users will be required to equip their properties with water meters by 1 January 2024.

Also, starting from 1 April 2023, a permit system will be introduced for well drilling activities as a whole and not for each well separately. Geological prospecting will be carried out to fully reassess the reserves of declining groundwater sources.

A further innovation is the establishment of a State Geological Monitoring Service to monitor the condition of groundwater resources and the creation of a unified system of protection against dangerous geological processes.

In general, the proposed measures will help to prevent the depletion of groundwater and the repetition of this situation in other regions.

The head of our state approved of the proposals and gave directions to stop irresponsible water usage and strengthen the discipline in this sphere. He stressed the importance of preserving fresh water sources and creating long-term reserves for the population.