In Azerbaijan, new objectives have been defined for the efficient use of water resources. Relevant works in this direction President Ilham Aliyev It will be implemented in accordance with the “National Strategy for the efficient use of water resources” approved by the decree. According to the document, it is planned to start using desalinated seawater in the drinking water supply of the city of Baku and its surroundings at the end of 2027.
According to the strategy, at the same time it is provided for the purification and utilization of highly mineralized groundwater, an increase in the number of wells actively used in water supply, the processing and reuse of waste, drainage and residual water, and the management and use of rainwater.
“Caspian” The newspaper published an article on the subject.
Rates will be reviewed
According to the new objectives, a differentiation of water tariffs is also planned in Azerbaijan. To this end, in 2024-2027, it is planned to complete the tariff regulation for the paid use of water among different consumers, prepare and begin the implementation of the mechanisms related to the transition to tariff differentiation. For this purpose, it is expected to improve the “Rules on paid use of water in the Republic of Azerbaijan” and revise tariffs for paid use of water.
artificial rain technology
Artificial rain technology will be tested in Azerbaijan within the framework of new goals for the efficient use of water resources. Initially, it is planned to implement a pilot project in this regard. In the period 2024-2027, research related to the development of artificial rain technology, the preparation of technical and economic justifications and project documents in the relevant field, the determination of pilot projects and the implementation of a related pilot project will be ensured. with artificial rain technology.
What are the expectations of the new strategy? Will the established objectives allow for more efficient use of water resources?
By 2050, water resources will decline further
Experts believe that Azerbaijan is among the vulnerable countries in terms of water resources. The country’s water resources are limited compared to other countries in the South Caucasus and account for about 15 percent of the water resources of the entire region. Per capita water resources in Azerbaijan are also at the lowest level compared to neighboring countries. According to the forecasts of the United Nations Development Programme, if necessary measures are not taken, water resources will continue to decline until 2050. Recoverable freshwater resources reach 26.2 billion cubic meters. Over the past 30 years, the country’s water resources have declined to 20 percent and are expected to decline to 15-20 percent by 2050.
We need to take water management to a new state
Rovshan Abbasov, an expert on water issues, stated that there are very serious reasons for approving the mentioned document. The expert stated that there are some pessimistic predictions about the future of water in the country:
“According to forecasts, Azerbaijan may become a country suffering from severe water shortage in the future. Climate changes, population growth and the country’s incompatibility with its geographical location influence the reduction of water resources. In this document New objectives and a program are set. For the efficient use of water, it is defined to reduce water losses, increase the use of alternative water sources, reduce as much as possible the amount of water extracted from rivers and underground sources, apply modern irrigation methods that allow the use of water in agriculture, concreting earth canals and saving water as much as possible are the pillars of the document. We must take water management to a new state “If this is the case, we will be able to avoid the pessimistic forecasts that await us.” .
Baku may run out of water
Said Safarov, Doctor of Geography, focused on the issue of seawater desalination in the aforementioned document and said that it is a strategic step:
“Water comes to Baku and the Absheron peninsula from outside. Despite the fact that the majority of the population of Azerbaijan is located on the peninsula, there is no water supply. If any conflict occurs, we may experience a serious water problem The city of Baku may run out of water. Therefore, the Caspian Sea water desalination project is strategic and very important, but this does not mean that we should collect all our water and use only sea water.
Vulnerable groups will be taken into account
Expert economist Emin Garibli highlighted that the new strategy will provide the opportunity to test modern equipment and technologies, such as artificial rain, in Azerbaijan:
“There are predictions that several regions of the world will face serious water problems in the future. Azerbaijan is also mentioned among those countries. I think we should implement our economic policy with this in mind. Countries like Israel have been living with this problem for many years. years, and even specialize in the field of agriculture “The main issue here is the correctness of the measures aimed at solving the problem and the fair distribution of resources.”
Referring to the issue of differentiation of water tariffs, the expert stated that a classification in this direction is necessary. In his words, when making a decision in this regard, vulnerable groups of the population will be taken into account: “The strategy establishes that regions will be identified for the gradual transition to cost-based tariffs. Within this framework, it is planned that the tariffs are differentiated and applied initially as a pilot project. If the pilot project is effective, a continued expansion of its application will be possible.
“We have to be prepared for all scenarios”
According to our interlocutor, if Azerbaijan specializes in the efficient use of water resources, this could generate additional income for our country in the future:
“The risk of water shortage exists not only in Azerbaijan, but in many countries. This problem is not yet acutely manifested in us. Perhaps we will feel it more deeply in 10-15 years. Therefore, we must be prepared for all scenarios. The government is trying to solve the problem, it is possible to prevent its worsening. If Azerbaijan specializes in the efficient use of water resources within the framework of the planned measures, it will be able to obtain additional income by exporting experience and knowledge. acquired”.
