Golden Age Lake
Golden Age Lake | |
---|---|
Karakum Lake | |
Altyn Asyr köli (Turkmen) | |
Location | Turkmenistan |
Coordinates | 40°44′N 56°47′E / 40.733°N 56.783°E |
Type | reservoir |
Golden Age Lake, known as Altyn Asyr köli locally,
Upon completion, the lake will span 2,000 square kilometres (770 sq mi) with a maximum depth of 70 metres (230 ft), and hold more than 130 cubic kilometers (4600 billion cubic feet) of water. Filling the lake could take 15 years and cost up to $4.5 billion. towards the lake.
Benefits and criticism
According to the Turkmen government, Golden Age Lake will promote the conservation and sensible use of water resources, in addition to preventing damage to archaeological sites near agricultural fields.[2] Further, it is believed the lake will attract migratory fowl, stimulate biodiversity, and make flowers and plants bloom in a country that is 80% desert.[5]
However, critics point out that much of the water pumped into the searing desert will evaporate, adding that it is likely to be contaminated with toxic pesticides and fertilisers.[5] It is also feared that Turkmenistan may seek to siphon water from the Amu Darya, which runs along the country's northern border with Uzbekistan. That could trigger a dispute between the two countries and inflict further damage on the environment.[2]
External References
- Altyn Asyr Türkmen Köli (in Turkmen, Russian, and English). Ashgabat: Türkmen döwlet neşirýat gullugy. 2010.
References
- ^ President inaugurates Turkmen lake
- ^ a b c Turkmenistan creates vast lake in the desert
- ^ A New Great Lake—or Dead Sea?
- ^ Turkmenistan Vows to Water its Desert
- ^ a b "Turkmenistan tries to green its desert with vast manmade oasis". The Guardian. 2009-07-17. Archived from the original on 2023-07-22.