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THE FORMATION OF THE LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF LAND AND
WATER RELATIONS IN UZBEKISTAN DURING THE YEARS OF
INDEPENDENCE
Tog’oyeva Maftuna Sulton qizi
Bukhara State University (BuxDU)
History (by specializations and activities)
2nd-year master's student.
Telephone: +998943245555
E-mail: maftunatogoyeva@gmail.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14671927
The favorable natural and climatic conditions of Central Asia have allowed
people in this region to engage in agriculture and animal husbandry since
ancient times. The expansion of irrigation systems has also become crucial for
the economy of the republic. Protected lands were supplied with water, and new
lands were allocated for the development of agriculture.
However, in addition to providing economic benefits, these actions also had
negative consequences. As a result, groundwater levels rose, flooding arable
lands with salt and swamp, and orchards and vineyards dried up. After
Uzbekistan gained independence in 1991, its land and water resources faced
significant changes due to various socio-economic factors and ecological
problems. With the independence, along with the development of the
agricultural sector, which is one of the main branches of the economy, economic
reforms were also implemented.
In the process of building a democratic, legal state based on market
relations in the Republic of Uzbekistan, special attention was paid to the rational
use of land and water resources, as it is crucial for successfully achieving the
priority task of improving the standard of living of the population in social,
economic, and cultural terms. In implementing reforms in this area, particular
emphasis was placed on strengthening specialization in agriculture, developing
it at an accelerated pace, and industrializing the sector. Given that these factors
are of significant importance, the statement of the President of the Republic of
Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, that "The priority task of further reforming
agriculture is, first and foremost, the rational use of land and water resources,"
plays a legally decisive role in regulating land-related issues.
Creating a system of measures to protect land resources and use them
rationally, as well as safeguarding the rights and legal interests of landowners,
landholders, and land users, and ensuring the rule of law in this area, is one of
the key socio-economic and political tasks of society. Indeed, the economic
ACADEMIC RESEARCH IN MODERN SCIENCE
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potential of the state, the material foundation of society, and the well-being of
citizens largely depend on addressing such pressing issues as ensuring legality
in relation to land, using land in accordance with legal requirements, preventing
violations of land legislation, and maintaining law and order in the field of land
relations.
In the states 68, Chapter 12, Section 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of
Uzbekistan are shown that: "Land, subsoil resources, water, flora and fauna, and
other natural resources are national wealth, and their rational use is essential.
They are under state protection. Land may be privately owned based on
conditions and procedures stipulated by law, ensuring its rational use and
protection as national wealth."
To further improve the field of water usage and protection, and to
effectively combat emerging new threats, a number of institutional and
regulatory-legal changes are being implemented in the sector. In particular,
amendments and additions were made to the Law "On Water and Water Use"
through Law No. O‘RQ-733, dated November 30, 2021, expanding the Cabinet of
Ministers' authority in regulating water relations. Additionally, the Cabinet of
Ministers was granted the authority to implement measures aimed at
developing water management, ensuring the rational and efficient use of water,
mitigating the negative impacts of water scarcity, approving other programs
related to water and water use, and endorsing procedures for state support in
introducing water-saving technologies.
Furthermore, a number of important decrees and resolutions related to the
sector have been adopted, including the Presidential Decree of the Republic of
Uzbekistan dated July 2, 2018, titled "Measures to Improve the Efficiency of
Water Resource Usage," the Resolution of July 10, 2020, "On Approval of the
Concept for the Development of Water Management in the Republic of
Uzbekistan for 2020-2030," and the Presidential Decree of June 23, 2023,
"Measures to Effectively Organize State Management in the Water Sector Within
the Framework of Administrative Reforms."
As a result, comprehensive measures are being implemented in the country
to ensure the rational management of surface water bodies, adherence to the
rules of water use and consumption, as well as identifying violations in the
water management sector and addressing the causes and conditions leading to
such violations.
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In particular, great attention is being paid to the agricultural sector in the
context of modern Uzbekistan, with specific measures being implemented to
stimulate the production of agricultural products.
The "Uzbekistan – 2030" strategy also highlights measures aimed at sharply
increasing productivity and profitability in agriculture as a key task. In this
regard, it is important to note that, under the initiative of the President,
systematic reforms are being carried out in the agricultural sector, and the legal
foundations of the sector are being improved, resulting in the formation of a
favorable agro-business environment in the country. The burdens on farmers
have been alleviated, and new jobs have been created. For example, by reducing
the area of cotton and grain fields by 200,000 hectares and offering them to our
citizens based on a competitive process, over 2 million permanent and seasonal
jobs have been created.
In conclusion, it is important to emphasize that Uzbekistan is developing a
comprehensive legal framework aimed at the sustainable management of these
critical resources, adapting to the emerging challenges related to land and water
relations. Despite facing serious issues related to land and water resources due
to agricultural needs, urbanization, and the impact of climate change, the
legislative framework continues to function actively to address these challenges.
List of References:
1. The speech of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Sh.M.
Mirziyoyev, at the VIII Congress of the Movement of Entrepreneurs and
Businessmen—Uzbekistan Liberal-Democratic Party. "Consistent continuation
of democratic reforms and the creation of a peaceful and secure life with a
decent standard of living for our people is the guarantee of sustainable
development." — Xalq So‘zi, November 2, 2016, No. 216 (6651)
2. The Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan // National Database of Legal
Documents, May 1, 2023, No. 03/23/837/0241.
3. "On Water and Water Use" Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan. // Legal
documents information national database, 30.11.2021. O‘RQ-733.
4. Gulomov, A. “Uzbekistan's Policy on Ensuring Water Security in the Modern
Era.” 18.12.2023.
5. Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On the Uzbekistan – 2030
Strategy" // 11.09.2023 PF-158.
