The Minister of Rural Development has proposed the formation of a quadrilateral conciliation working group made up of representatives of the relevant fields to help perform the preparations for the new Government Decree on the regulation of Lake Tisza water levels, at a roundtable discussion in Abádszalók on Friday.

Sándor Fazekas emphasised that the Ministry has received several reports over recent weeks, which have generated worry over the unusually low winter water level of the reservoir. This is also an indication of the diverse sectors that use the Lake as a result of its special purpose, and whose interests must be taken into account when regulating water levels in the region.

The Minister mentioned as examples the varied criteria of tourism, irrigation, flood protection, fish management and energy production, among whose representatives however "can be felt the willingness to compromise that is an essential prerequisite for the development of a suitable negotiate framework". Summarising the experiences gained during negotiations so far, Mr. Fazekas announced that he would be proposing the formation of a quadrilateral working group with experts from the water management, angling and fish management, and conservation experts, and representatives of the local governments affected. This body would help the preparations for the renewal of the 20-year Government Decree on the regulation of water levels in Lake Tisza, which will expire at the end of this year.

Gábor Hegedűs, Managing Director of Lake Tisza Sport Angling Nonprofit Ltd, the current owner of fishing rights, said at the event that fish stock in the Lake have been increasing year-by-year, as can be seen from the increasing number of anglers and improved catch data. This is why creating and maintaining the conditions required for large fish stocks, which are significantly affected by water levels, is so important to the company.

Mr. Hegedűs emphasised that both the condition of the Lake and social requirements have changed significantly since the Lake received its water rights licence in 1986 and the Government Decree determining the water levels was published in 1993. Accordingly, the new regulations should take into account today's interests and order priorities, especially including ecological and sustainability criteria.

The Central Tisza Region Water Management Directorate's hydraulic engineer for the Kisköre stretch of the River Tisza, Lőrinc Fejes, said that the last time water levels were lowered to under 570 centimetres was in the winter of 2006-2007, and on this occasion is primarily justified by development projects and maintenance work scheduled to take place along the banks of the Lake. Since these have been completed ahead of time, on Saturday the river stretch's engineering office will begin raising water levels to the 610 centimetre winter level determined by earlier negotiations.

The filling of the Lake will occur at an initial rate of 5 and then 4 centimetres-a-day, and is expected to end by 18 December, he added.

(Ministry of Rural Development)