The Head of the State met with the Minister of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources – Magzum Mirzagaliyev
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was provided with information about the water reservoirs agenda in Kazakhstan. Magzum Mirzagaliyev reported that in recent years, work has been carried out to prevent water shortages, including in cooperation with authorized bodies of neighboring countries, reconstruction of water bodies, digitalization and provision of agrarians with irrigation water. An agreement was reached with the Kyrgyz side on additional water discharge from the Toktogul reservoir, and schedules for water supply in Shu and Talas river basins of Zhambyl regions were approved. Work is underway with the Russian side to increase the discharge of water from the Iriklinskoye reservoir into the Zhaiyk River.
The President was also informed about the measures to protect saigas and the results of the conducted census of their numbers. According to the relevant department, because of the effective fight against poaching and the tightening of legislation, the saiga population has grown from 334 thousand to 842 thousand in 2 years.
On behalf of the President, Magzum Mirzagaliyev visited the West Kazakhstan region, where, in joint cooperation with experts, scientists, local farmers and the akimat, the issues of determining saiga habitats were comprehensively considered. The President took a decision to create a natural reserve "Bokeiorda" and "Ashiozeksky nature reserve" on a total area of 657 thousand hectares. This decision will facilitate the migration of a part of the Ural saiga population to the left bank of the Zhaiyk River.
In addition, the minister spoke about the fish protection actions of "Bekira", "Spawning" and "Clean water body". As a result, a number of criminal cases initiated, fines imposed, almost 300 km of networks and several vehicles were seized.
In the framework of President's order implementation on planting of 2 billion trees, 80 million trees have been planted to date. In order to develop eco-tourism, for 4 large national parks investors have been identified, with a total investment of more than 31 billion tenge.
The President assessed the work of the Ministry in these areas positively.
At the end of the meeting, the President assigned to put extraordinary control on the issues of water resources regulation as well as to strengthen the fight against poaching.
Source: www.akorda.kz