Article 10. Measures to adapt to the negative effects of droughts and prevent artificial droughts Water Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Home / RLA / Article 10. Measures to adapt to the negative effects of droughts and prevent artificial droughts Water Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan

1. Drought is understood as a natural phenomenon resulting in a shortage of water resources caused by a prolonged lack of precipitation, a decrease in river flow and a decrease in surface and groundwater levels, resulting in drying out of the soil, damage, death of plants and aquatic animals, and depletion of water bodies.

2. In order to adapt to the negative effects of droughts and prevent artificial droughts, a system of measures is being developed that includes forecasting, assessing, and responding to the risk of droughts.

3. Forecasts and assessment of the risk of droughts, as well as the main measures aimed at minimizing their negative consequences, are defined in basin plans for the protection and use of water resources.

4. The main measures for adaptation to the negative effects of droughts and the prevention of artificial droughts include:

1) systematic monitoring of precipitation levels, soil moisture, and the use of water resources by the population and economic sectors;

2) development and implementation of measures for the collection and conservation of flood and meltwater for use during dry periods, including for irrigation of crops and for irrigation of pastures;

3) the use of alternative water sources for irrigation of agricultural crops or other water consumption;

4) the use of new water-saving technologies;

5) crop rotation planning aimed at minimizing soil erosion and planting drought-resistant crops in dry years;

6) implementation of protective afforestation, conservation and expansion of the forest fund;

7) other measures aimed at adapting to the negative effects of droughts and preventing artificial droughts.

5. When planning measures and designing facilities for the collection and conservation of flood and meltwater, preference should be given to measures that ensure minimal loss of water to evaporation by storing them in underground aquifers or sealed reservoirs.

The construction of reservoirs for these purposes is allowed only if it is technically and economically inexpedient to store water in underground aquifers or sealed reservoirs.

6. Measures included in basin plans for the protection and use of water resources to adapt to the negative effects of droughts and prevent artificial droughts, as well as other measures, taking into account the specifics of regional conditions, are provided for in development plans for regions, cities of republican significance, and the capital.

Measures to adapt to the negative effects of droughts and prevent artificial droughts in regions, cities of republican significance, and the capital that are part of the same water basin should be agreed and coordinated among themselves.

7. During the period of drought in the territories subject to drought and lack of water, on the recommendations of basin councils, state bodies within their competence may impose restrictions on certain types of activities related to the use of water resources, as well as priorities in accordance with this Code.

The Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated April 9, 2025 № 178-VIII LRK

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