The issue of decreasing water resources in Azerbaijan has been discussed more frequently recently. In recent months, the decline in water levels in some rivers and the feeling of water scarcity in certain areas have attracted attention. This situation affects both agriculture and people's daily lives. In such circumstances, the efficient and proper management of water resources acquires special importance. So, what steps should be taken and what measures should be implemented to prevent a possible water shortage?
In a statement to Medianews.az regarding the issue, Elman Jafarli, chairman of the "Green World" Ecological Awareness Public Union, said that in recent years, a serious decrease in Azerbaijan's water resources has been observed. According to official information, there has been nearly a 40 percent decrease in the inflow of transboundary waters into the country.
According to him, although the main reason for water scarcity is the consequences caused by global climate change, the human factor should not be overlooked. The decrease in precipitation is a result of global warming:
“The increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere seriously affects the climate. Glaciers are melting, drought causes the reduction of forests, and soil becomes salinized. Seasons shift, and water sources decrease. For example, recently everyone talks about the retreat of the Caspian Sea and the decrease in the water level in the sea. It is stated that the reason is the decrease of water in the Volga River, which feeds the lake. Some explain this with Russia’s hostility toward Caspian states. But such opinions seem ridiculous. Even if Russia wanted, it cannot seriously affect the drying of the Caspian Sea. The root of the problem is that the amount of precipitation falling in the Volga basin has decreased. This is also associated with the consequences of global climate change.”
E. Jafarli noted that Azerbaijan is a country suffering from water scarcity.
“We feel the water shortage even in ordinary households. Fifteen years ago, uninterrupted water supply was provided to the Ahmedli and Old Gunesli settlements of the Khatai district of Baku. But in the last few years, water is supplied intermittently. Sometimes, especially in the summer season, there is no water for 2-3 days. According to experts' calculations, Azerbaijan will be among the countries experiencing water stress. Our main drinking water resource is formed thanks to transboundary rivers. In recent years, due to excessive water intake beyond the norm, the water levels of the Kura, Araz, and Samur rivers have also decreased. Now, what shall we do, just fold our arms and wait, or leave the population to fate’s mercy? Of course, no. There are measures to be taken to avoid water scarcity. First of all, we must seriously switch to a conservation system. We have reached the era in which we must value every drop. Innovations must be made in water management to provide the population with ecologically clean drinking water. Traditional methods of water transportation and irrigation must be abandoned. Farmers must be provided with drip irrigation systems in a very short time, and we must abandon flood irrigation.”
The expert emphasized that most of the water canals built during the Soviet era are surface-level:
“With such a transmission system, more than 40 percent of water is lost during transportation. To prevent this kind of water loss, concrete-surfaced canals must be constructed or water must be transported through plastic pipes. In developed countries, wastewater recycling is carried out and rainwater is stored. Water obtained from recycling and rainwater are used for car washes and landscaping. Why shouldn't we apply this advanced experience?
Besides, the cultivation of plants requiring less water should be promoted among farmers. Promotional work should be done among the population, and water-saving habits should be formed.”
Oguz Ayvaz,
Medianews.az