In the world
Potential threats of the Rogun HPP to the ecology of Central Asia
28.07.2025During his state visit to Tajikistan, Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, together with Tajikistan's Deputy Prime Minister Usmonali Usmonzoda, inspected the construction of the Rogun hydroelectric power plant. This was reported by the online publication infoportal.news, citing the MONTSAME agency. Despite its importance for Tajikistan's energy sector, the project is causing serious concern among Central Asian countries due to its potential environmental and transboundary impacts. Changes to the Vakhsh River during construction and filling of the reservoir could reduce the flow into the Amu Darya for years, damaging ecosystems, agriculture and water supply in the lower reaches. Experts warn of the risk of land degradation, the disappearance of tugai forests and rare fish species, as well as a lack of coordination with neighbouring countries. An additional threat is posed by the Qosh Tepa canal project in Afghanistan, which, combined with the Rogun hydropower plant, could exacerbate the water crisis. The absence of intergovernmental agreements on water use increases the risk of conflict and instability in the region. Experts insist on the need for an independent environmental and social assessment of the project, taking into account the interests of all countries in the Amu Darya basin.
The Kremlin awarded Oleg Kononenko with the Order ‘For Merit to the Fatherland, First Class’
24.05.2025A solemn ceremony of presenting state awards was held in the Kremlin's Catherine Hall. Russian President Vladimir Putin presented the Order ‘For Merit to the Fatherland, First Class’ to Oleg Kononenko, the commander of the cosmonaut squadron of Roscosmos, twice Hero of Russia and Turkmenistan. The news was reported by the press service of the Russian President. The highest state award was recognition of Kononenko's outstanding personal achievements, as well as high appreciation of the work of the entire Russian rocket and space industry. Making a speech of gratitude, the cosmonaut stressed that this award is ‘the merit of thousands of specialists, whose work remains behind the scenes, but is critical to the success of each mission.’ He expressed pride in his contribution to the development of manned cosmonautics. A special moment of the ceremony was Oleg Kononenko's meeting with the portrait painted by a young artist from Turkmenistan Batyr Sultanov. The work was created as part of the 'Crossroads of Arts' cultural project and became a warm symbol of international recognition.
Read also
Advertising
Read us in Zen
