Rogun - Hydropower Generating Controversy in Central Asia

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to analyse the current conflict between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan over shared water resources, and propose an adequate solution. The tensions between the two countries are associated with the completion of a huge dam on a river on the Tajik territory. Such construction may have a negative impact on Uzbekistan’s irrigation needs since it may restrict inflow to the Amudarya River which is Uzbekistan’s key water resource. While Tajikistan intends to use water for hydropower, Uzbekistan needs water mainly for its cotton fields. This paper analyses the background, benefits and risks of the dam, roots of the tension, and suggests methods of resolving them. Based on the current dispute, the problem of shared water resources is generalized, discussed and two complementary approaches are presented. The international water law offers a set of guidelines applicable on transboundary water conflicts; the significance of the 1997 UN Convention concerning the law of the non-navigational uses of international watercourses is emphasized. Another instrument to grasp this problem is the game theory. The water allocation problem can be described using the Nash bargaining solution. This paper demonstrates that both approaches can contribute to resolving existing disputes over shared water resources.