Tajikistan has taken a major step toward sustainable water management with the inaugural meeting of its newly established National Water Council, held in Dushanbe on December 10.
According to the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources (MoEWR)’s press center, opening the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Sulaimon Ziyozoda stressed that climate change, glacial retreat, population growth, and industrial development are creating new challenges for food security, green energy, and irrigation systems. In this context, integrated water resource management has become a national priority.
Participants noted that the new National Water Council is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping state water policy. Key objectives include the efficient use of water resources, attracting investment, upgrading hydrotechnical infrastructure, and supporting sustainable socio-economic development.
The event was attended by EU Ambassador to Tajikistan Radoslaw Darski and World Bank representative Rahimzhan Assangaziyev.
First Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Jamshed Shoimzoda, presented an overview of the Council’s objectives, functions, and operational framework.
Established by government’s decree on May 29, 2025, the Council serves as an advisory and coordination body for national water policy.
The Council's main goal is to create a unified platform for coordinating decisions on water use, conservation, and sustainable management. It is tasked with ensuring coherence, transparency, and effectiveness in state water policy.
During the meeting, participants reviewed the outcomes of the 2016–2025 Water Sector Reform Program and discussed a draft basin management plan for the Zarafshon River for 2026–2030.
Following the discussion, the Council Chair issued specific directives: implement measures to ensure efficient and economical water use, enhance the performance of basin-level structures, install water meters at distribution points, and conduct an in-depth analysis of current water consumption.
The Council also approved its work plan for 2026 at the close of the meeting.
