In the East Kazakhstan region, the implementation of one of the promising projects in the field of «green» energy is being slowed down, a Kazinform agency correspondent reports. We are talking about the construction of a cascade of small hydroelectric power stations on the Kalzhir River in the Markakol region.
According to the General Director of KALZHYR RIVER ENERGY LLP, a hydroelectric power station with a capacity of 16 megawatts can become one of the key facilities in East Kazakhstan region in the field of renewable energy.
The project is aimed at increasing the region’s energy security and reducing dependence on traditional sources — coal and oil, which, as energy workers emphasize, cause serious damage to the environment.
«We strive to minimize environmental impacts and preserve biodiversity. But to increase capacity, it is necessary to expand the site, part of which is located in the zone of specially protected areas», — the company reported.
The problem comes down to the status of the land. As Nadezhda Mikheilis, head of the land relations department of East Kazakhstan region, explained, all possible plots outside the protected zone have already been provided. Only the lands of the reserves remain, and you can work with them only according to special rules.
«Such territories can only be used for the implementation of strategically important objects. The decision is made at the Government level after the conclusion of the relevant ministries —energy and water resources», — noted Mikheilis.
At the same time, there have already been precedents in Kazakhstan when lands of specially protected natural areas were transferred for infrastructure projects, in strict compliance with environmental requirements.
The VKO prosecutor’s office did not stand aside — the supervisory agency stated that the issue will be further studied. Possible legal mechanisms are currently being considered.
Meanwhile, Eastern Kazakhstan has already encountered facts of bureaucratic red tape when providing forest fund lands for the implementation of infrastructure projects. For example, in the region only this year the construction of a route bypassing the Osinovsky Pass will be completed. And the highest mountain bridge in the country will appear in the region.
Moreover, the project was initially planned to be completed back in 2020. But documents for lands were transferred from one Ministry to another for almost 4 years. And in Ridder the power line has not been completed for 7 years. The reason is the same — difficulties with registering forest fund lands.
Nelly Nigmatullina (Kazinform)
