Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered Astrakhan Region Governor Igor Babushkin to take immediate action to prevent the Caspian Sea from further shallowing.
This directive follows a recent high-level meeting between Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during President Putin’s visit to Azerbaijan.
During a meeting with Governor Babushkin on Tuesday, Vladimir Putin revealed that President Aliyev had raised concerns about the Caspian Sea’s declining water levels.
“I visited Azerbaijan a short time ago, and our colleague, the president of Azerbaijan, pointed out that the Caspian Sea was shallowing,” he stated.
He also noted President Aliyev’s positive remarks regarding the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia’s Astrakhan Region.
To address the issue, Vladimir Putin instructed Governor Babushkin to prepare a formal appeal for a scientific analysis of the Volga and Caspian Sea regions. This analysis aims to identify necessary measures to protect the Caspian Sea. The Russian president stressed the urgency of the task, stating that he would issue further instructions to the government once the report is ready.
Governor Babushkin committed to preparing the report swiftly, emphasizing the need for quick action. He also highlighted the Astrakhan Region’s crucial role in the Caspian area, focusing not only on economic and logistical efforts but also on strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties between Russia and the Caspian states.
The declining water levels in the Caspian Sea have alarmed ecologists and local communities, drawing comparisons to the Aral Sea, which largely dried up due to mismanagement.
Since 2006, the Caspian Sea has experienced significant fluctuations in water levels, with 2022 marking a critical low point. This drop is attributed to a complex mix of factors, including reduced inflows from the Volga and Zhaiyk (Ural) rivers – key water sources for the Caspian. The Volga feeds over 90 percent of water to the Caspian Sea and runs in the Russian territory. The Zhaiyk feeds no more than 2 percent. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, numerous dams were constructed along these rivers, and their waters are heavily utilized for agriculture and urban needs.
Climate change has further exacerbated the situation, with rising temperatures leading to reduced river inflows and increased evaporation from the sea’s surface. Ecologists warn that if these trends continue, the consequences could be catastrophic for the ecosystem and the millions who depend on the Caspian Sea for their livelihoods.
Projections indicate that water levels in the Caspian Sea could drop by 9-18 meters in the coming years, causing irreversible environmental damage.