Dnipro’s left bank in Kherson region is almost dead due to Kakhovka HPP destruction

He said this on Espreso TV.

"Today, the consequences are as follows: the left bank is practically dead without water, with the water table having dropped by more than 10 meters. This means that in 3-5 years, this area will likely become a lifeless zone with increased soil salinity, according to soil scientists. The river has lost its cheapest transportation infrastructure along both banks of the reservoir and up the Dnipro River, affecting industrial zones and halting barge transportation of products. And the economy is an enormous deal for Ukraine today, you know. There is not enough industrial water to ensure the normal operation of enterprises in Nikopol, Kryvyi Rih, Marhanets, and," Kovalenko said.

According to him, Russia destroying the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant has led to a change in the microclimate, and the average air temperature is expected to rise by several degrees in the future.

"There has already been a drought, and the boundaries of the Oleshky Desert will likely extend up to Rohachyk if there is no water. I was pleased to hear Ukrhydroenergo CEO Ihor Syrota say yesterday that there is a project in place, which is not primarily about energy. The main focus today is addressing the complex issues that have arisen, as the situation has caused harm on all fronts," the mayor of Nova Kakhovka said.

The mayor of Nova Kakhovka added that the left bank must be liberated in order to implement the plan to restore the hydroelectric power plant.

• On June 5, 2023, the Russian troops blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant. The authorities and volunteers from all over Ukraine began to urgently evacuate people from the nearby areas. The explosion of the hydroelectric power plant resulted in numerous human casualties, serious environmental consequences and affected the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. The Ukrainian side is convinced that these actions of the Russian forces were intended to create chaos and were aimed at delaying the Ukrainian Defense Forces.
• Ukrhydroenergo CEO Ihor Syrota said that there is a project to build a temporary hydroelectric facility at the site of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant destroyed by the Russian troops. Such projects of temporary hydroelectric facilities already exist, and the hydropower industry is waiting for the de-occupation of the territories to be able to start working.