Putin: Russia shares view that falling Caspian Sea levels among most pressing issues

Russia shares the view that the falling water level of the Caspian Sea is one of the most pressing issues, President Vladimir Putin said at the Caspian Environmental Summit in Turkmenistan, Report informs via TASS.

"We share the view expressed by our colleagues that one of the most pressing issues today is the falling water level of the Caspian Sea. Over the past 20 years, the Caspian coastline has receded by 20,000 square kilometres in the Russian part alone, according to our estimates," he said, explaining that expert studies indicate climate change is the main cause of the decline in the Caspian Sea's water level.

According to Putin, Russia is forced to allocate significant budget funds every year for dredging operations to ensure navigability.

"Maintaining the current rate of change in the sea level, which according to our data averages minus nine centimetres per year, could have a number of serious environmental consequences," Putin noted.