Golden Age Lake (Turkmen: Altyn Asyr köli) also known as Karakum Lake is a reservoir under construction in Turkmenistan. It is located in the heart of the Karakum desert at the bottom of the Karashor depression. Currently, according to satellite images on Google Maps, this artificial lake is dry.
According to the design, the Karakum Lake reservoir would cover an area of 2 000 sq km (770 sq mi), have a maximum depth of 70 m (230 ft) and hold more than 130 cu km (4 600 billion cu ft) of water. After completion of hydraulic works, filling the lake may last 15 years. The project could cost up to $4,5 billion.
Wastewater from irrigated cotton fields will be used to fill the reservoir. The total length of the canals planned to build for the Golden Age Lake will be 2 650 km (1 650 mi). The Dashoguz Collector will run along the bed of the ancient Uzboy River with total length of 432 km. Another important сollector that will be used to fill the artificial lake is the 720 km (450 mi) long Great Turkmen Collector.
The construction of the Karakum Lake is one of the largest infrastructure projects of the government of Turkmenistan. It is stated that the reservoir will contribute to the conservation and wise use of water resources. It will help prevent damage to archaeological sites near agricultural fields. Also, Karakum Lake should attract migratory birds and stimulate biodiversity in the desert region.
However, environmentalists from different countries have repeatedly criticized the project to build this reservoir. It is believed that water evaporation will be too great and will rather take away water resources, which are in short supply in the Karakum Desert. Also, the water from the cotton fields will be contaminated with toxic pesticides and fertilizers, so that it will initially be unsuitable for life.
Representatives of Uzbekistan expressed concern that part of the Amu Darya flow, which has already been declining in recent years, could be used to fill the reservoir. For this reason, there is a possibility of conflict between the two countries as a result of the implementation of the Golden Age Lake project. Also, pumping water into the Karakum Desert could aggravate the problem of the drying up of the Aral Sea.