Ulaanbaatar
Reviving Dried Tsoitson Lake After 40 Years
Environment
Ulaanbaatar, June 8, 2023 /MONTSAME/. The restoration of Tsoitson Lake in Khuvsgul aimag marks a significant milestone after a prolonged period of 40 years. The adverse effects resulting from the diversion of the Khodon River due to the heavy flooding in 1971 had a profound impact on the Darkhad Depression group of lakes. The repercussions were particularly evident in the Duruu and Tsoitson lakes, which suffered from the lack of essential water inflows originating from the Khodon River. Consequently, over time, the water levels in these lakes gradually diminished, eventually leading to their complete desiccation.
Starting in 2021, significant restoration efforts were initiated to revive Tsoitson Lake in Khuvsgul aimag. These efforts involved the construction of a 403-meter dam on the Khodon River and the establishment of a dedicated channel to redirect its flow. The Khodon River, now following a course spanning 10.6 km along its main channel, was successfully channeled towards Tsoitson Lake, allowing for the much-needed replenishment of water in the lake. This restoration endeavor resulted in the successful revival of Tsoitson Lake, which stands as the third largest lake in Khuvsgul aimag. Furthermore, the restoration efforts enabled the storage of a substantial volume of water, estimated at approximately 35 million cubic meters.
The Ministry of Tourism has provided an update regarding the commendable efforts undertaken to combat desertification in the Darkhad Depression and restore Tsoitson Lake. The activities carried out between 2001 and 2022, spearheaded by "Prestige Engineering" company and the Institute of Geography and Geo-ecology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, under the directive of the Khuvsgul Aimags Governor's Office, have yielded positive outcomes.
As Tsoitson Lake holds the distinction of being the third largest lake in Khuvsgul aimag, in its undisturbed state, the area surrounding the lake exhibited a captivating allure, with abundant moisture and a picturesque mist covering the nearby mountain peaks. However, the unfortunate drying up and subsequent disappearance of the lake had transformed the landscape into a dry and desolate region, as noted by Mongolia's water consulting engineer, Sh. Ganzorig, and other experts.
