Photo: eurasiatoday.ru
Uzbekistan’s Minister of Water Resources, Shavkat Khamraev, has acknowledged that Afghanistan’s interim government has the right to use water from the Amu Darya River for the Qosh Tepa Canal. His statement, made on March 18 during a meeting with the public and media, was reported by Gazeta.uz.
However, the minister did not directly address journalists’ questions regarding when the canal’s impact on Uzbekistan would become noticeable.
«Should we take up arms and go to war? No. We are building relationships, engaging in dialogue, and maintaining kinship ties. Gradually, we will explain to the Afghans that they need to take only their fair share of water. There will be documents, negotiations, and official visits."
Khamraev emphasized the importance of preserving good neighborly relations and ignoring speculation and rumors. Drawing parallels with past tensions over water projects in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, he suggested that such conflicts should be resolved through mutual goodwill.
«Just bring some plov to your neighbor in the evening, and you'll see what a good person he is. He will respond with kindness as well,» Khamraev said.
According to the minister, he has visited Afghanistan four times recently, and the Uzbek delegation was always received warmly. Afghan officials have assured Tashkent that the canal will not disrupt Uzbekistan’s water supply. Khamraev also noted that, at the current pace, the Qosh Tepa Canal will be completed by 2028.
In October 2023, the Taliban completed the first phase of the canal, stating that the project is crucial for water resource management in Afghanistan. At the same time, Afghan authorities urged neighboring countries, particularly Uzbekistan, not to worry, promising to handle disputes through diplomatic channels.
Tashkent has repeatedly expressed concern that the canal could negatively affect Uzbekistan’s agriculture and worsen the Aral Sea crisis by reducing the Amu Darya’s water flow. Environmental experts warn that the canal’s operation will impact water supplies for all countries in the river basin.
What Is the Qosh Tepa Canal?
Construction began in March 2022. Afghanistan says the project will irrigate 555,000 hectares of barren land in the north, making it possible to cultivate wheat and sunflowers.
The canal originates in Kaldar District, Balkh Province, near the Uzbek border, and runs through Jowzjan Province to Andkhoy District, Faryab Province.
Total length: 285 km
Width: 100 meters
The Taliban also sees the canal as an economic asset. Last summer, reports estimated that once completed, the canal could generate $500 million in annual revenue for Afghanistan.
