When Water Turns to Sand : Up First from NPR
- The Aral Sea was a large saline lake that supported fishing communities until the 1960s.
- Water diversion for agriculture led to the sea shrinking to about one-tenth of its original size.
- The destruction of the Aral Sea is considered one of the most significant environmental disasters of the 20th century.
In Central Asia, the Aral Sea was once a vast saline lake, covering over 26,000 square miles and supporting vibrant fishing communities until the 1960s. The diversion of river water for agricultural purposes, driven by the desire for progress and development, led to a drastic reduction in the sea's size. Today, it has shrunk to about one-tenth of its original area, resulting in significant ecological and economic consequences for the region. The UN Environment Programme has labeled this environmental catastrophe as one of the most staggering disasters of the 20th century. Efforts to understand the causes of this decline and explore potential solutions are ongoing, as researchers and environmentalists seek to address the remaining water resources and the impact on local communities. The situation serves as a cautionary tale about the balance between development and environmental sustainability, highlighting the need for responsible management of natural resources to prevent similar disasters in the future.