The Request alleges that two Bank-financed projects in Tajikistan, the Sustainable Financing for Rogun Hydropower Project (P181029) and the Technical Assistance for Financing Framework for Rogun Hydropower Project (P178819) (unless explicitly stated otherwise, both projects are hereafter jointly referred to as the “Project”), are likely to cause harms to communities downstream of Tajikistan’s Vakhsh Hydropower Cascade. The Request claims that the Bank did not comply with its Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and failed to develop a “robust” Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) for the Rogun Dam.
The Request alleges that the Bank’s “errors and omissions” in the design and implementation of the Project will contribute to ecological harm and interdependent environmental and socioeconomic impacts. The Request also alleges a lack of meaningful consultation and stakeholder engagement.
Firstly, regarding the environment, the Request claims that the Rogun Dam will result in water deficit and affect water quality, degrade important coastal ecosystems resulting in the loss of their recreational properties, and cause the extinction of critically endangered species. The Request alleges that the Rogun Dam’s Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is based on incomplete and outdated data and that cumulative impacts resulting from this dam and other water infrastructure projects downstream along the Amu Darya were not appropriately considered.
Secondly, on socioeconomic impacts the Request claims that water flow redistribution caused by the Project could affect the livelihood of downstream communities in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, and the alleged forced resettlement of people from Tajikistan could potentially create a “migration/displacement crisis” in the already disadvantaged Amu Darya basin in the downstream. According to the Request, the Project will affect the dependent canal systems in Karakum, Karshi, and Amu-Bukhara areas in Uzbekistan, exacerbating environmental problems that could potentially require costly overhauls of agriculture and municipal water supplies. The Request also claims that, if left unaddressed, such impacts could lead to an increase in unemployment and a collapse of the region’s economy. Additionally, the Request claims that a potential reduction in the flow of the Amu Darya River caused by the construction and operation of the Rogun Dam could impact communities’ health due to water mineralization (increased salt content) and dried-out areas releasing salts into the air. The Request also alleges cultural ties with riverine life will be severed, unless the natural habitat is protected from negative Project impacts.
Third, the Request alleges harm arising from insufficient consultation and lack of disclosure to affected downstream communities of the Project’s safeguard documents. The Request claims that no meaningful consultations or surveys were conducted in the potentially affected regions during the preparation of the ESIA for the Rogun Dam, and the ESIA planning and preparation “completely ignored” the interests of people living downstream of the Project, particularly those in the Aral delta region. The Request claims that the project lacks a facility for filing compensation claims in case the dam malfunctions or bursts. The Request also claims that the Project’s Stakeholder Engagement Plan lacks clear procedures, fails to ensure meaningful consultations, and - in a context of “closed civic space in Central Asia” - exposes individuals to potential reprisals.
The Panel is currently reviewing the Request for Inspection in accordance with its mandate and operating procedures.
