Baku: A meeting chaired by Prime Minister Ali Asadov was held at the Cabinet of Ministers to discuss the 'Comprehensive Action Plan for 2025-2030' aimed at addressing the environmental issues of the Caspian Sea and Baku Bay. The focus was on the removal and rehabilitation of emergency and unserviceable hydraulic structures, as well as improving the ecological condition of Baku Bay.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the Prime Minister highlighted that various hydraulic structures from the Soviet era in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea have deteriorated and are in an emergency state due to hydrometeorological factors. This deterioration has led to significant ecological problems. The prolonged anthropogenic impacts have further exacerbated pollution in Baku Bay, necessitating urgent environmental improvements.

Elshan Hajizadeh, Head of the Industrial and Energy Department, presented the Comprehensive Action Plan. Contributions were also made by Minister of Emergency Situations Kamaladdin Heydarov, First Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Rashad Ismayilov, President of the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan Rovshan Najaf, and Chairman of the Board of 'Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping' CJSC Afgan Jalilov.

Reports were also provided by Khanlar Agalarov, Chairman of the Board of the Seaside Boulevard Department, and Zaur Mikayilov, Chairman of the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency, focusing on Baku Bay's ecological condition.

The meeting concluded with instructions for relevant state bodies to conduct monitoring in the Caspian Sea, develop an interactive map scheme, prioritize work, study international best practices, and execute measures through public-private partnerships. There was also a directive to dismantle emergency hydraulic structures and remove sunken vessels, assessing the impact on the coastal and marine environment.

To address Baku Bay's ecological concerns, an Action Plan was proposed, including pumping out seawater to remove metal structures, preventing wastewater discharge, cleaning floating oil slicks, and removing oil-contaminated soil from surrounding areas.