Kazakhstan Reclaims Lake Teke Worth $53.1 Million

Kazakhstan has successfully reclaimed Lake Teke, a rare bitter-saline lake in the north of the country, with a cadastral value of 26.7 billion tenge, approximately $53.1 million, effectively returning it to state ownership.

The move was confirmed this week by the Prosecutor’s Office of the North Kazakhstan region. 

According to the authorities, local executive bodies granted subsoil use rights to Lake Teke in 2020 under a contract for salt extraction. The agreement covered an extensive 21,500-hectare area, followed by a land lease arrangement for the water body. However, despite the termination of the subsoil use contract in 2022, officials failed to take necessary legal actions to revoke the lease for over two years. This oversight led to the improper use of land from the water fund, violating Kazakhstan’s Land Code.

The Prosecutor’s Office also reported that the business entity involved had remained in the official registry of active subsoil users, despite no longer having valid rights. This was in direct violation of the Code on Subsoil and Subsoil Use.

Through intervention by a specialized environmental prosecutor, the land lease agreement was unilaterally terminated through pretrial procedures, effectively returning the lake to state ownership. Additionally, official records have now been updated, and responsible officials have faced disciplinary measures.

Lake Teke, located in the Ualikhanov District, is the second bitter-saline lake in the region. Spanning 260 square kilometers, it is larger than the city of Petropavl. Despite its vast area, the lake remains relatively shallow, with depths ranging from 0.5 to one meter, depending on the season. The lake is fed primarily by snowmelt and underground water, with 37 seasonal streams flowing into it.

The lake is an essential habitat for migratory birds, including demoiselle cranes and gray cranes that arrive in the autumn. Its waters also contain Artemia salina, a species indicating ecological purity. Salt deposits form naturally along its shores, which are steep and rugged with minimal vegetation.

Beyond its ecological value, Lake Teke holds historical and cultural significance. Local legends speak of warriors using its waters and mud for healing purposes. For centuries, it has been regarded as a sacred site, with the local population maintaining deep respect for the lake by refraining from littering or consuming alcohol near its waters.

Kazakhstan’s recent reclamation of Lake Teke underscores the government’s commitment to preserving its natural resources and upholding environmental regulations.