In the Zhetysai district of the Turkestan region, 65 violations of irrigation water usage rules have been identified. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation following a field meeting chaired by the head of the department, Nurzhan Nurzhigitov, with the participation of local law enforcement agencies.
Most violations are related to the unauthorised change of agricultural crops without agreement with the resource supplier. Of the 65 recorded incidents, 61 cases involve growing more water-intensive crops without permission, and a further three relate to irrigation without a water supply contract. The violations were identified during the work of a monitoring group, established by the ministry to track illegal water abstraction in the region.
Following the meeting, it was decided to strengthen cooperation between the water authority and law enforcement agencies. Minister Nurzhan Nurzhigitov emphasised that implementing the Head of State’s instruction to eliminate the black market for water requires comprehensive measures:
"Our ministry has created four working groups, increased liability for violations, and adopted rules for irrigation water use. Including representatives of law enforcement agencies in monitoring groups will enhance their effectiveness," he stated.
Since 10 June 2025, new rules for irrigation water use have been in effect in Kazakhstan. Water usage without a contract carries a fine of twice the tariff rate. For unauthorised change of crops, the fine is one and a half times the tariff rate. At the same time, an updated Water Code has come into force, granting basin inspectorates the right to rapid response and enhanced oversight.
Amendments have also been made to the Code of Administrative Offences, strengthening liability for illegal water use. These measures are intended to minimise resource losses, reduce the burden on irrigation infrastructure, and ensure equal access to water for all agricultural producers.