Chogray Reservoir, Reservoir in Stavropol Krai and Kalmykia, Russia

The Chogray Reservoir is an artificial reservoir on the East Manych River, on the border of Stavropol Krai and Kalmykia. It is 49 km long, up to 5 km wide, and has a maximum depth of 5 m; shallows cover up to 60% of its area. It was formed by an earth dam 9,850 m long and 8 m wide.

Construction began in 1969 and finished in 1973 to provide water for irrigation in this dry region. This project changed local life by making water supply more reliable for farming and helping communities survive during periods of drought.

The name comes from the local area and reflects the geography of this steppe region. Around the water, you can see agricultural channels and pumps that show how residents depend on this source to support their farms and way of life.

The area around the reservoir is flat and easy to walk, with wide views to the horizon in all directions. Visitors should know that wind can be strong here and that agricultural equipment like pumps and irrigation channels are visible throughout, showing how the water is actively used.

In 1976 two floating pumping units of 320 and 280 tonnes were shipped from the Don up the West Manych to Lake Manych-Gudilo, the end of the navigable waterway, then hauled 85 km overland on special heavy trailers to the reservoir. The story was still told locally thirty years later.