Article​​​​​​​ 145. Extreme water scarcity and drought

Extreme water scarcity is a period when the water level of a water source is 50 percent or less of the multi-year (at least 30 years) norm.

Drought is a natural phenomenon that causes a serious disruption of the hydrological balance, which occurs when the amount of precipitation is less than the normally recorded levels and has a negative impact on the productivity of land resources.

For the purpose of preventing the risks of extreme water scarcity and drought, specific measures are developed and implemented by the specially authorized body in the field of regulating water relations together with local executive bodies and other interested parties, which provide for the effective operation of a monitoring and early warning system, an assessment of vulnerability and impact by sectors of the economy, population groups, and territories, and the taking of measures for preparedness and mitigation of their consequences.

In the event of extreme water scarcity, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan has the right to:

adopt a special decision on the temporary introduction of new priorities for water use in the territories affected by extreme water scarcity;

introduce restrictions on some or all types of activities related to the use of water resources.