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Majilis deputy  Dyusenbay Turganov expressed concern about the plans of one of the operators to dig shipping canals in the Caspian Sea, Total.kz reported.

“The unfavourable ecological situation emerging in the Caspian Sea area causes reasonable public concern. According to available information, this year NCOC (North Caspian Operating Company) intends to start digging sea shipping canals in the Caspian Sea to ensure the logistics of the Kashagan oil project (several shipping canals will be laid 56 kilometres long, 80 to 115 meters wide, 10 reversal basins with diameters ranging from 325 to 380 meters. It is planned to remove more than 18.5 million cubic meters of soil from the bottom of the Caspian Sea on an area of ​​about 29 million square meters). In turn, according to the adopted Environmental Code, the northern part of the Caspian Sea is classified as a state-protected area and has a special status and restrictions in the use of natural resources and engineering and construction work. A special mode of use has been determined, aimed at protecting water and fish resources, as well as ensuring the sustainable existence of the ecosystem, ”Turganov said in his request for a plenary meeting of the Mazhilis.