Water from Herat's Pashdan Dam Released for First Time for Irrigation

HERAT, Afghanistan (Afghan Verified) -- The Ministry of Water and Energy announced that water from the Pashdan Dam in Herat province has been released for the first time to irrigate agricultural lands.

The release follows requests from farmers and residents of Karkh district in Herat province, the ministry said.

Maulvi Abdul Salam Mostofi Agha, head of the Harirud-Murghab River Basin Authority, called on the public to cooperate in preserving and maintaining the Pashdan Dam and to use the water effectively.

The announcement marks a significant step for local agriculture in Karkh district, where farmers had sought the water allocation to support their farmlands. The ministry's decision addresses immediate irrigation needs amid ongoing water management efforts in the region.

Mostofi Agha emphasized the importance of community involvement in dam upkeep to ensure long-term sustainability of water resources. He urged residents to adopt efficient water usage practices to maximize benefits for agricultural productivity.

The Pashdan Dam, located in Herat province, plays a key role in the area's water supply system, particularly for the Harirud-Murghab basin. This first-time release for irrigation highlights progress in managing reservoir levels to meet agricultural demands.

No further details were provided on the volume of water released or the expected duration of the irrigation supply. The ministry's statement underscores its commitment to balancing water distribution for farming communities in drought-prone areas like Herat.