Azerbaijan to develop 350 million cubic metres of water reserves in Karabakh, East Zangezur — official

Azerbaijan is set to develop a substantial 350 million cubic metres of water reserves across the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions, as part of a comprehensive effort to restore critical infrastructure and support resettlement in the country’s liberated territories.

The announcement was made by Ilham Bayramov, Deputy Chairman at Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency (ADSEA), during a panel discussion at the 2nd International Exhibition and Conference for Water Management, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

According to Bayramov, project design and cost documentation have already been approved for water supply systems covering 10 cities and 79 rural settlements throughout Eastern Zangezur and Karabakh. The initiatives are part of Azerbaijan’s broader strategy to revitalize these regions following their reintegration.

“Several reservoirs have already been restored – the Khachinchay and Kondalanchay reservoirs,” Bayramov stated. “Construction is currently underway on the Zabukhchay reservoir, along with a 51-kilometre main pipeline extending from the Zabukhchay River. In the same region, work is progressing on the Hakharichay and Bargushadchay reservoirs.”

He also noted that development is ongoing on main water distribution lines stemming from these reservoirs, in addition to external water supply networks and wastewater management systems for cities undergoing reconstruction.

These projects are expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring long-term water security, sustainable urban development, and agricultural revitalization in the formerly occupied areas.

The conference, which takes place at the Baku Expo Centre, presents an extensive and diverse program with the participation of representatives of relevant state institutions, international organisations, private sector leaders, as well as leading local and international experts in the field. More than 40 speakers from nearly 10 countries are expected to address the conference.

By Vafa Guliyeva