The paper said the Knyazov article titled “It is epos rather than reality: fate of mega hydropower station in Central Asia is under question” was published in several Internet edition and objectively presents situation around construction of hydro power stations in Central Asia.

The author said water basin of Amudarya and Syrdarya represent single organism, which ensure water supply and well-being of the Central Asian states. The article said that interests of Uzbekistan in water use are ignored by the countries, located in upper streams.

Knyazov said construction of the stations by Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan creates concerns on creation of wide-scale threat to security of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

Expert said there are firm international norms, which regulate construction of such objects, but Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan are ignoring. He said that these two countries did not join all international conventions, regulating this sphere.

Knyazov also said it is absurd to state that country, where trans-boundary stream formed, can use it on its own discretion.

He said that Naryn-Syrdarya and Amudarya rivers with inseparable inflow, Vahsh, are trans-boundary stream (it is enough to view map). Taking into account this, Kyrgyzstan cannot built Kambarata hydropower station without agreement with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, while Tajikistan has no right to build hydropower station without agreement with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

Expert said Vahsh is one of main inflows of Amudarya and all international principles on use of trans-boundary rivers applies to it.

The author states that construction of Kambarata hydropower station and Rogun hydropower station is crime against population of neighbouring states and their own population. He questioned quality of construction works.

Knyazov also said Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan should pay attention to ensuring security of existing stations, which were built during Soviet times. Nobody cares about preventing works and modernization of Nurek and Toktagul stations, he said. Recent accident at Nurek station had not serious consequences, but it is serious alarm for both Tajikistan and Kyrgyz Republic.

Expert said Uzbekistan has all rights to block work of Rogun and Kambarata hydropower stations, if even they built. Uzbekistan can even use military force and the country will be right as it will ensure security of ten million people of own population, but also three regions of Kyrgyz Republish (Osh, Jalalabad and Batken regions) and one region in Tajikistan (Sogd), which locate in impact zone of Kambarata project.

Construction of dams at the context of water decrease and deficit, will negatively impact water balance and sustainable development, Knyazov stated.

He said Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan should focus on construction of small hydropower stations instead of large ones.