The Times of Central Asia earlier reported that Azerbaijani businessman Emin Agalarov plans to build “Sea Breeze Uzbekistan,” a huge tourist complex on the shores of the Charvak (Chorvoq) reservoir.
The center will cover 500–700 hectares and include hotels, cottages, pools, sports areas, shops, restaurants, and a bridge connecting both sides of the reservoir. It will also host festivals, concerts, and cultural events.
News of this project has sparked a strong public reaction. Many people wonder why such a big plan was made without any open discussion. The project is discussed under the hashtag #SaveChorvoq, which many use to call for action.
The idea first appeared in December when Agalarov presented it to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In April, the president reviewed the master plan. Since then, social media has been full of debates about the environmental risks and possible water shortages.
An Instagram video by environmental blogger Urikguli (Mutabar Khushvaqtova) gathered opinions from experts and influencers about how Sea Breeze Uzbekistan might affect Charvak’s water balance.
Temur Ahmedov, a sustainable construction specialist, said: “Tashkent has 3.5 million people, and New Tashkent is being built too. Where will all that water come from? If Charvak’s balance is broken, we have a big problem.”
Dr Yulduzkhon Abdullaeva, a doctor of natural sciences, warned: “First, biodiversity will suffer. Charvak reservoir and its surroundings house rare plants and animals. A lot of materials must be brought in that way. Because we don’t have waterways, transport will use roads, which can pollute the air.
Pools and fountains will need water from Charvak, which may disturb its hydrological balance. An environmental impact assessment is necessary. The results must be made public.
If the assessment is negative, the project should be cancelled. That’s why public involvement is very important.” Abdullaeva also noted: “Rare plants grow near the reservoir, and animals live there. Pools and fountains will use Charvak water, which could upset its balance. A project evaluation must be done, and if bad, construction should be stopped.”
Urban planner Iskandar Soliyev expressed doubts about the developer’s promises. “I think building such a large project around the reservoir is a mistake. Even Agalarov says in his videos that first we will install water-cleaning devices, then start construction. But we know those promises are often broken. That is the main worry.”
Urikguli stressed: “If errors happen or water is polluted at Charvak, we could lose our only source of drinking water. That is why a thorough environmental check and transparency are essential.”
Alisher Khudoyberdiev, a hydrometeorology researcher, pointed out that motorboats could pollute the water and harm both drinking supplies and farmland.
Blogger Samandar Nizomov questioned the idea of a VIP zone. “Why let the rich go in and make the poor watch from afar? Charvak is not a sea or an ocean. I don’t want to drink water with impurities.”
His view echoed that of Umida Odilova: “Our reservoir is our drinking water source—for us and our children. There’s already too much building in the city. Only the mountains have clean air.”
The Times of Central Asia asked Urikguli whether the Ministry of Ecology or other officials had responded to the study of these concerns. She informed that Rasul Kusherbayev, advisor to the Minister of Ecology, expressed his opinion on this matter. “I am against any construction near Charvak reservoir. Not only Sea Breeze but also hotels or recreation areas, even boat rides—I reject them fully. The more we protect Charvak, the more we will thrive. If we pollute it, we force future generations to abandon this place. The Ministry of Ecology is now reviewing this matter. We don’t have full documents yet. The Ministry has publicly opposed motorboats on the reservoir since last year. Our response will reflect this position,” said Kusherbayev.
The Times of Central Asia also emailed Agalarov Development to request details about the environmental side of the Sea Breeze Uzbekistan project. In our message, we asked:
Did you carry out any environmental assessments or consult local ecological experts before proposing the project?
How do you respond to concerns from environmental activists and bloggers about risks and the lack of public discussion?
So far, Agalarov Development has not replied to our request.
With so many voices calling for caution, it is clear that people want to protect Charvak’s unique ecosystem. The debate shows the need for careful planning, open dialogue, and strong environmental safeguards before building such a large project near this vital water source.
