PROBLEMS OF THE ARAL SEA

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PROBLEMS OF THE ARAL SEA

Kozimov Qudratillo

Kokand University, Andijan Branch, Faculty of Medicine,

1st-year student

qudratillokozimov005@gmail.com

Sadriddinov Musokhon

Kokand University, Andijan Branch, Faculty of Medicine,

1st-year student

sadridinovmusaxon@gmail.com

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15826139

Abstract

This article highlights the causes of the environmental crisis related to the

Aral Sea, its negative consequences, and the measures being taken to mitigate
them. Once the fourth largest inland sea in the world, the Aral Sea played a vital
role in the climate, agriculture, fishing industry, and livelihoods of the people in
Central Asia. However, from the second half of the 20th century, water from the
Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers was diverted inefficiently for cotton irrigation
through wasteful irrigation systems. This led to the drying up of the Aral Sea and
the emergence of a major ecological disaster. A new desert named Aralkum has
formed on the former seabed, spreading millions of tons of salty dust annually.
This has increased respiratory, cardiovascular, blood, and skin diseases,
particularly leukemia and developmental disorders among children. The climate
has drastically changed: the air is drier, summers hotter, and winters colder.
Shortages of drinking water and poor sanitation have led to the spread of
infectious diseases. However, positive measures are being taken to mitigate the
problem. Kazakhstan has restored the Small Aral Sea, and in Uzbekistan, saxaul
trees are being planted in the Aralkum desert. Effective water resource
management, environmental education, improved healthcare services, and
international cooperation are proposed as key solutions to stabilize life in the
Aral Sea region.

Keywords

: Aral Sea, environmental crisis, water resources, salinization,

climate change, health problems, Aralkum.

Introduction

The balance between nature and human activity has always been of great

importance throughout history. While humanity has benefited from natural
resources, this often came at a great environmental cost. One such vivid example
is the tragedy of the Aral Sea. Once a source of pride in Central Asia, the Aral Sea
has now become one of the world’s most significant ecological problems. In the

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early 20th century, it was the fourth-largest inland sea on Earth, located
between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. It supported thousands of livelihoods
through fishing, irrigation, and its moderating effect on the regional climate.
However, beginning in the 1960s, water from its main sources — the Amu Darya
and Syr Darya — was diverted excessively and mismanaged for cotton and other
crop irrigation. This drastically reduced the water volume and transformed the
sea into desert land. The Aral Sea tragedy has had a profound impact not only on
the environment but also on human health, the economy, and social life. For
these reasons, this topic is of both local and global significance. This article
explores the main causes of the crisis, its ecological and social consequences,
and the steps being taken to address it.

Main Body

1.

The Aral Sea. Once the world's fourth-largest closed sea, the Aral

Sea’s area has decreased tenfold since the mid-20th century due to the diversion
of its main water sources. Today, it has split into three separate water bodies.

2.

Amu Darya and Syr Darya. These two rivers were the main sources

of the Aral Sea. During the Soviet era, they were diverted for cotton fields, which
stopped the flow of water into the sea, leading to its desiccation. Water-saving
and international cooperation efforts are now being developed.

3.

Irrigation Systems and Misguided Water Policy. Large-scale cotton

farming policies led to the construction of artificial canals and collectors that
disrupted the rivers’ natural flow. Inefficient irrigation systems caused massive
water waste. Mismanagement of agriculture and irrigation lies at the root of the
problem.

4.

Environmental Disaster. The drying of the Aral Sea has disrupted the

entire regional ecosystem. Every year, over 75 million tons of salty dust is
spread by the wind. Plant and animal life is vanishing, soils are becoming saline,
and air quality is deteriorating.

5.

Salinization and Land Degradation. Salts from the dried seabed have

affected millions of hectares of land. Without water and with reduced rainfall,
saline dust has stunted plant growth and made farming increasingly difficult.

6.

Aralkum Desert. The dried portion of the Aral has become the

Aralkum Desert, characterized by extreme temperatures, lack of vegetation, and
salt-laden winds. It now covers more than 60,000 square kilometers and is
expanding yearly.

7.

Climate Change. The disappearance of the sea has drastically altered

the microclimate of the region:

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

Air humidity decreased



Summers became hotter, winters colder



Rainfall reduced

These changes threaten agriculture and human health.
8.

Health of the Population. Respiratory diseases (asthma, bronchitis),

cardiovascular diseases, leukemia (especially among children), allergies, and
reproductive issues are widespread. Weak healthcare systems further worsen
the situation.

9.

Migration and Social Issues. Unemployment, drought, declining

health, and loss of income have driven people to migrate. This has led to
depopulation, poverty, and social instability in the Aral Sea region.

10.

Environmental Restoration Projects. Kazakhstan: Built the Kokaral

Dam to save the Small Aral Sea. Uzbekistan: Planted over 1 billion saxaul and
desert-resistant trees in Aralkum. Belt initiatives aim to reduce dust storms and
improve local climate.

11.

International Cooperation and UN Involvement. The UN has officially

recognized the Aral Sea region as a “zone of global environmental disaster.”
International bodies like the World Bank, UNESCO, and the EU support recovery
efforts. The "Saving the Aral Sea" foundation operates from Tashkent.

12.

Sustainable Development and Environmental Education. Raising

public awareness, promoting sustainable water management, and introducing
modern irrigation technologies are vital. Environmental education is being
strengthened in schools, colleges, and universities.

Common Diseases Caused by the Aral Sea Crisi

s

1.

Respiratory Diseases. Bronchitis, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and

chronic cough due to airborne salty dust, pesticides, heavy metals, and toxic
particles.

2.

Allergic Diseases. Skin rashes, allergic rhinitis, eye irritation due to

allergens, dry air, and vegetation loss.

3.

Cancers (Oncological Diseases). Lung, liver, and blood cancers like

leukemia due to chemicals and heavy metals entering the div via air or food.

4.

Blood Disorders. Anemia, leukemia, hemophilia, especially in

children, caused by consumption of water or food contaminated with heavy
metals (lead, cadmium).

5.

Infectious Diseases. Intestinal infections, hepatitis A, typhoid, and

parasitic diseases due to lack of clean drinking water and poor sanitation.

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6.

Skin Diseases. Dermatitis, eczema, dry skin, and chronic skin

inflammation from saline water, dust, and strong solar radiation.

7.

Reproductive Health Issues. Birth defects, miscarriages, infertility,

and developmental delays in children due to toxins and heavy metals in
mothers’ bodies.

8.

Neurological and Mental Health ProblemsDepression, anxiety,

insomnia, and attention disorders caused by ecological stress, unemployment,
poor living standards, and chronic illness.

Solutions and Preventive Measures

1.

Efficient Water Management. Restore natural river flow, reduce

water wastage, and implement drip irrigation and closed-pipe systems.

2.

Reducing Cotton Cultivation. Switch to less water-intensive crops

like wheat, lentils, or flax. Replace cotton farming with eco-friendly agriculture.

3.

Greening the Aralkum Desert. Plant salt-resistant species like saxaul

and tamarix to reduce dust storms and soften the climate.

4.

Environmental Education and Awareness. Strengthen environmental

literacy in schools, and raise public awareness through media and seminars.

5.

Improving Economic Stability. Create alternative job opportunities

(small business, services, crafts) and develop local infrastructure (roads, clinics,
schools).

6.

Expanding International Cooperation. Implement large-scale

ecological projects with support from the UN, World Bank, and other global
organizations. Ensure fair use of transboundary water resources.

7.

Scientific Research and Monitoring. Constantly monitor soil, water,

and air composition. Analyze disease statistics, dust levels, and climate trends
scientifically.

8.

Supporting Local Initiatives. Encourage green zone creation, water-

saving efforts, and recycling by local residents, volunteers, and NGOs.

9.

Expanding the Small Aral Model. Kazakhstan's Kokaral dam revived

fishery and tourism in the Small Aral. Creating similar stable water bodies may
revitalize the region.

Conclusion

The Aral Sea crisis is a stark reminder of how human activity can severely

damage the environment. Mismanagement of water resources, ineffective
irrigation, and ecologically harmful cotton policies led to the Aral Sea's
disappearance and the creation of the Aralkum desert. This has caused serious
environmental, health, economic, and social issues. Contaminated air, soil, and

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food have contributed to widespread illnesses and worsened living conditions,
leading to migration and instability. Nevertheless, there are signs of progress.
The Small Aral has been preserved in Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan has launched
massive tree-planting efforts. International organizations support restoration
projects. Strategic solutions such as efficient water use, modern irrigation,
environmental education, economic development, and global cooperation are
helping to alleviate the crisis. The Aral Sea tragedy serves as a powerful lesson in
restoring balance between humans and nature and striving for sustainable
development. Future decisions must always consider ecological impacts to
create a healthy and livable environment for future generations.

References:

1.Karimov I.A. Nature – Our Common Home. – Tashkent: Uzbekistan, 1997. – 35
p.
2.Berdikulov A.B., Rakhimov R.R. The Aral Problem and Environmental Security.
– Tashkent: Fan, 2009. – 112 p.
3.Khudoyberganov Q.X. Natural Resources and Environmental Issues of
Uzbekistan. – Tashkent: TDPU, 2017. – 150 p.
4.Materials from the “International Innovation Center for the Aral Sea Region”
under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan.
5.UNDP. Building a Future for the Aral Sea Region. – New York: UNDP, 2021.
6.Micklin, P. (2007). The Aral Sea Disaster. – Annual Review of Earth and
Planetary Sciences, Vol. 35, pp. 47–72.
7.Official website of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea.
8.World Bank. (2020). Restoring the Aral Sea: Experience and Lessons. –
Washington, D.C.: World Bank Group.
9.Yuldashev S. The Aral Tragedy: Past and Present. – Tashkent: Ma’naviyat,
2015. – 87 p.