The National Hydrogeological Service was established in Kazakhstan under the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, El.kz reports.
The National Hydrogeological Service will receive the authority to conduct state policy in the field of groundwater management, including prospecting and exploration and state monitoring. Particular attention will be paid to the rational use of groundwater and the prevention of its depletion and pollution.
Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurzhan Nurzhigitov noted that groundwater reserves in Kazakhstan are about 40 cubic kilometers, of which 15 cubic kilometers are already ready for use. Currently, only 7-10% of these resources are involved in the country's economy. The ministry plans to actively use groundwater to provide drinking water, irrigate agricultural land and support pastoralism, while ensuring strict control over the conservation of water resources.
The President's initiative to re-establish the Hydrogeological Service underlines the strategic importance of water resources management for the sustainable development of Kazakhstan, which is in line with global environmental challenges and the country's domestic needs.