Tensions rise between Iran and Afghanistan over water resource management amid ongoing conflicts in the region. Iran accuses the Taliban of violating agreements concerning river usage to support dam constructions aimed at agricultural irrigation in Afghanistan. Despite Iran’s claims, Afghanistan dismisses them, emphasizing the need for the water to revitalize its economy and ensure food security following years of conflict.
As tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan intensify due to military skirmishes, a corresponding strain is evident in the relations between Iran and Afghanistan, specifically related to water resource management. The Iranian government has vociferously accused the Taliban authorities of breaching existing accords and misappropriating river water that naturally flows into Iranian territory. In contrast, Afghanistan has refuted these allegations, indicating a complex and long-standing dispute over shared water resources between the two neighboring nations.
The Taliban is actively pursuing infrastructure projects to address Afghanistan’s water scarcity, which has been exacerbated by decades of conflict. These endeavors include the filling of the Pashdan Dam in Herat and the construction of two additional dams on the Farah River. The ongoing works aim to redirect water through irrigation canals to enhance agricultural output significantly. Concurrently, the Bakhshabad Dam in Farah is under rapid construction, with plans for the Kaj Samad Dam to commence shortly.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has issued stern warnings, affirming that such projects contravene bilateral agreements, culminating in a disregard for Iranian water rights. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei emphasized that any water diversion must align with established treaties, international customary laws, and the principles of good neighborliness. There exists contention among experts regarding the absence of a formal treaty governing the usage of the Harirod and Farah Rivers between Iran and Afghanistan.
In response to Iran’s claims, Afghan experts maintain that Afghanistan’s need for water resources is paramount. Mohammad Rafiq Shaheer, the head of the Herat Expert Council, has articulated the necessity for Afghanistan to utilize its water supply to foster economic recovery and ensure food security amid the prolonged effects of war and instability. He stated that as peace gradually returns, it is a natural right for Afghanistan to utilize its water resources to combat unemployment and secure sustenance for its populace.
The ongoing disputes between Iran and Afghanistan surrounding water resource management are deeply rooted in the historical context of both nations. Water scarcity in Afghanistan has reached critical levels due to years of war and terrorism, necessitating the construction of dams for agricultural irrigation. Throughout this period, the Taliban has been advancing several infrastructure projects to facilitate water access, which has led to heightened tensions with Iran, a country reliant on shared river systems flowing into its territory. This discord underscores the intricate relationship between resource management and geopolitical stability in the region.
In conclusion, the rising tensions between Iran and Afghanistan as a result of dam constructions by the Taliban highlight significant geopolitical challenges in water resource management. As both nations assert their respective rights and claims, the absence of formal treaties complicates the resolution of these disputes. The situation underscores the broader implications for stability and food security in Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for cooperative dialogue and mutually beneficial agreements on shared water resources.
Original Source: www.india.com