When viewed from above, Lake Balkhash in Kazakhstan appears as a stunning sight, with its turquoise waters shimmering in the desert landscape like a crescent-shaped pearl. Unfortunately, this natural wonder is facing threats from pollution, climate change, and overuse, putting its unique ecosystem in danger.
Lake Balkhash is the largest lake in Central Asia after the Caspian Sea, and it is unique in that one side has salt water while the other side is fresh. This unusual environment has historically been home to rare species of fish, but recent observations indicate a decline in their population.
Local fisherman Alexei Grebennikov expressed concerns about the diminishing fish population, stating that the lake is silting up and facing catastrophic conditions. The effects of these changes are also being studied by scientist Olga Sharipova, who highlighted the impact of water levels on fish reproduction.
Despite efforts to address these issues, such as diverting water to the lake during floods, the long-term trend shows a decline in water levels, primarily attributed to reduced flow from the Ili River, originating in China.
This decline in water levels is exacerbated by factors like global warming and human activities, with China’s water usage for agriculture being a significant contributor to the problem. Collaboration between Kazakhstan and China is necessary to address water sharing agreements and preserve the health of Lake Balkhash.
In addition to water scarcity, pollution from heavy metals, pesticides, and industrial waste poses a serious threat to the lake’s ecosystem. The town of Balkhash, home to Kazakhstan’s largest copper producer, faces high rates of lung cancer due to air pollution from industrial activities.
Efforts to address pollution and protect the lake are ongoing, but significant challenges remain in ensuring the long-term sustainability of Lake Balkhash and its surrounding environment.
