Representatives of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC) visited the Gazakh, Agstafa, and Tovuz districts to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the "National Strategy for the Efficient Use of Water Resources."

Alongside CAERC, the visit involved representatives 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 local executive authorities.

In the Gazakh district, inspections were carried out at the Injasu reservoir to assess the condition of the concrete linings, the technical state of the pumping station—specifically three out of five decommissioned pumps requiring restoration and two operating under hazardous conditions—and the damaged water pipelines leading from the pumping station to the basin.

At the Joghazchay reservoir, the monitoring team conducted an on-site evaluation of the damaged stilling basin of the emergency spillway channel, alongside the current conditions and technical issues at the reservoir's water discharge outlet.

At the Agstafachay reservoir, inspections focused on the condition of the water release sluices, emergency spillway structures, and eroded concrete linings.

Furthermore, share lands, cultivated fields, and pastures were inspected in the villages situated along the Kura River in the Gazakh and Agstafa districts that are exposed to flood and torrent risks; current risks and necessary countermeasures were thoroughly discussed.

At the Tovuzchay reservoir, the technical state of the hoisting cranes was evaluated, along with the performance and efficiency of the canals utilized for irrigating the agricultural fields of the Tovuz district.

Within the scope of the visit, members of the monitoring group met with Rajab Babashov, Head of the Gazakh District Executive Authority. The meeting featured discussions on the measures implemented under the National Strategy, including the current state of water infrastructure, the reduction of water losses, the reliable operation of facilities, the completed works, and upcoming tasks directed toward more efficient water resource management.

It should be noted that according to the Decree of President Ilham Aliyev dated October 10, 2024, the monitoring and evaluation of the execution of measures scheduled under the "National Strategy for the Efficient Use of Water Resources" is carried out by the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication based on the order of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan.