17:15 - 12.01.2026

---

January 12, Fineko/abc.az. In recent years, the drainage of part of the lakes in Baku and on the Absheron Peninsula has increased the risk of flooding during heavy rains.

ABC.AZ informs that Zaur Mikayilov, the chairman of the State Agency for Water Resources of Azerbaijan, made this statement at a meeting on water supply in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula.

He noted that there are more than 300 lakes in Baku and on the Absheron Peninsula, which by their nature perform a water storage function. However, between 2014 and 2025, as a result of illegal and sometimes unsystematic expansions, several lakes were drained, territories were appropriated and built up. This, in turn, leads to flooding in these areas and territories during heavy rainfall.

Mikayilov noted that over the years, important work has been done in this direction within the framework of government programs, and one of the main reasons for the satisfactory current situation is the implementation of these programs.

According to him, in 2004, when the first state program was adopted, the supply of drinking water in Azerbaijan was at 40%, and in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula – 29%: "Currently, the supply of drinking water in the country has been increased to 73%, and in Baku and the Absheron Peninsula — up to 70%."

The head of ADSEA noted that among the main projects implemented under government programs, the construction of Takhtakerpyu and Jeyranbatan reservoirs, as well as ultrafiltration water treatment plants, occupy a special place: "These projects have played an important role in improving the situation with water scarcity in the country."