A decision has been made to release water from the Mingachevir reservoir into the lower reaches of the Kura River to manage water levels and address regional needs. Operative Information Center-OMM reported the news, citing the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency.
The agency noted that since late March, intensive rainfall across Azerbaijan has led to increased water levels in both transboundary and internal rivers. Based on forecasts from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, higher inflows are expected into the Shamkir and Mingachevir reservoirs during May and June. In coordination with relevant authorities, it was decided to release 500 cubic meters of water per second from the Mingachevir reservoir starting April 13, increasing to 700 cubic meters per second from April 17. The surge in water from tributaries such as the Aghstafachay, Gargarachay, Turyanchay, Aghsuchay, Goychay, and Girdmanchay, combined with reduced demand for pumping stations due to the rain, led to localized seepage and flooding of some residential yards and pastures in the protection zones.
To mitigate potential complications, the leadership and specialists of the Regional Water Melioration Service under the Agency have been deployed to the affected areas. These teams are working in coordination with local operation departments to implement preventive measures. Following a meeting on April 23 of the Commission established by the Order of President Ilham Aliyev dated April 15, 2020, a daily monitoring and weekly approval regime for the Mingachevir reservoir was confirmed to ensure efficient water management and safety in the lower Kura basin.
The Mingachevir reservoir, the largest in the Caucasus, plays a critical role in Azerbaijan's hydroelectric power production and irrigation systems. Effective management of the Kura River is vital for the agricultural sectors of the Salyan and Neftchala districts, which often face water shortages during dry periods. Since April 24, water levels in the Kura have begun to recede by 30-105 cm across various districts. Currently, the unobstructed flow of water into the Caspian Sea is being ensured, and equipment previously evacuated due to flood risks is being reinstalled as residents return to their normal daily activities.
