Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The fifty-seventh plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis discussed the Law "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan."

The law stipulates that permits for the use of water bodies for agricultural purposes will be issued to water users and consumers by the state institution "Suv etkazib berish xizmati" (Water Supply Service).

According to the amendments, water withdrawal limits for agricultural needs of farms and dehkan (peasant) enterprises, as well as other water consumers, will be developed by the Ministry of Water Management of the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the basin irrigation management authorities, as well as the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Karakalpakstan and regional agricultural management bodies, and will be approved by the district (city) councils of people’s deputies.

The law establishes that a farming enterprise must use water resources according to a water delivery and water management services agreement concluded with the state institution "Suv etkazib berish xizmati." It must also participate in the repair and restoration of inter-farm internal irrigation and drainage systems and their structures, maintain them in technically sound condition, and comply with the established operating rules.

According to the law, the provision of water to collective gardens, vineyards, vegetable gardens, and household plots will be carried out by the state institution "Suv etkazib berish xizmati" based on a water delivery and water management services agreement in accordance with established procedures.

Additionally, payments for water delivery services to agricultural producers will be abolished.

The provisions of this law aim to enhance the efficiency of water resource management, regulating the interaction between water supply organizations and water consumers at the local level.

The law has been approved by the senators.