Uzbekistan is considering expanding tourism activities to 25 additional reservoirs and introducing new safety requirements for recreational facilities, according to a presentation reviewed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on October 20. The presentation addressed the regulation of reservoir use and surrounding areas, tourism development, and safety measures, the President's press service reported.
Currently, tourism activities have been established at five reservoirs across Uzbekistan, while another 25 have the potential to accommodate tourism services. Plans include attracting investment to these areas, creating new jobs and increasing tourist arrivals. The presentation emphasized the need to prioritize safety requirements when developing tourism infrastructure around reservoirs.
Proposals include introducing certification for tourism services and requiring entrepreneurs to conclude agreements with professional rescue units. Recreational areas would also be required to have rescue boats, observation towers and markers indicating water depth.
The presentation highlighted the need to expand rescue services at reservoirs. Currently, only four of Uzbekistan's 56 reservoirs have rescue services. A proposal was presented to establish a professional rescue system based on the model used at the Karkidon reservoir. Plans also include training rescue divers at a technical college for rescuers through a dual education system.
Staff working at tourism facilities would receive training in emergency response procedures and first aid. Measures to support entrepreneurs establishing tourism services around reservoirs were also discussed. Under the proposals, entrepreneurs would be allowed to pay 50% of their land and property taxes until October 1, 2029.
They would also be able to defer customs duty payments or pay them in installments over 120 days when importing GPS, rescue and safety equipment. Another proposal involves directing funds generated from the sale of land plots in these areas toward the development of external utility networks and road infrastructure. The presentation also reviewed ongoing measures to maintain the technical integrity and safe operation of reservoirs.
To date, 25 reservoirs have undergone on-site inspections. Plans include expanding the use of local warning systems, video surveillance, seismological equipment and digital monitoring tools to detect hazardous changes at an early stage. Following the presentation, Mirziyoyev instructed officials to establish professional rescue services at reservoirs and clearly define safety requirements for tourism facilities.
The meeting also addressed measures to improve Uzbekistan's emergency response system. Proposals include establishing the Madad National Multidisciplinary Special Rescue Center, which would be designed to operate in complex conditions. The establishment of an aviation-rescue unit and a research center for emergency management was also proposed.