The Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC) has completed field visits covering various regions of the country to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the “National Strategy on the Efficient Use of Water Resources.”

As part of the monitoring visits, representatives of the Center, led by CAERC Executive Director Vusal Gasimli, together with officials from the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, as well as representatives of local executive authorities, visited the districts of Agsu, Goychay, Yevlakh, Gazakh, Agstafa, Tovuz, Shamkir, Samukh, Tartar, Beylagan, Sabirabad, Neftchala, and Hajigabul.

During the visits, the current condition of reservoirs, main canals, pumping stations, drainage systems, water treatment facilities, and coastal areas was assessed on site. The monitoring focused on issues including silt accumulation in riverbeds, water losses, the need for bank protection works, the technical condition of water discharge facilities, the operation of pumping stations, deterioration of concrete linings, challenges in drainage collectors, flood and inundation risks, as well as water supply issues affecting agricultural areas.

Based on the assessments conducted, the importance of measures aimed at modernizing infrastructure in a number of areas, accelerating bank protection and rehabilitation works, minimizing water losses, improving the efficiency of water resource management, and preserving ecological balance was emphasized. Particular attention was paid to potential opportunities for increasing the usable capacity of reservoirs, expanding irrigation capacity, and improving the water supply of rural settlements.

CAERC Executive Director Vusal Gasimli stated that the monitoring visits are of significant importance in terms of assessing on site the implementation status of measures envisaged under the National Strategy, identifying existing challenges, and strengthening coordinated action with relevant institutions. According to him, measures aimed at improving water resource management, reducing water losses, modernizing infrastructure, and introducing modern irrigation systems continue to be implemented within the framework of the Strategy.

It should be noted that, pursuant to the Order signed by President Ilham Aliyev on October 10, 2024, the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication conducts the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the measures envisaged under the “National Strategy on the Efficient Use of Water Resources,” commissioned by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan.