Residents of Sistan and Baluchestan in Iran are urging government action against Afghanistan’s diversion of the Helmand River. Despite Taliban promises to cease such actions, satellite images show continued water diversion. Iran insists on adherence to the 1973 water treaty governing shares of the river, with local residents suffering due to chronic drought conditions.
Residents of Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province are expressing frustration over ongoing drought conditions exacerbated by Afghanistan’s non-fulfillment of water-sharing agreements. They are urging President Masoud Pezeshkian and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take urgent measures to secure Iran’s rightful allocation of water from the Helmand River.
Recent satellite imagery has revealed that water continues to be diverted from the Kamal Khan Dam into the salt flats of Godzareh, despite Taliban representatives’ assurances of ceasing such diversion. This comes in the context of the Taliban’s claims that their inability to provide Iran with water is due to drought and insufficient rainfall.
However, heavy rainfall in Afghanistan has sparked hopes that the Taliban might adhere to their commitments regarding water sharing. Currently, Iran is insisting that Afghanistan must comply with the internationally binding 1973 Hirmand River water treaty to ensure the fair allocation of water between the two nations.
The Iranian government maintains that the continued diversion of water is unacceptable, particularly as local residents face severe drought repercussions. It is imperative that diplomatic efforts are intensified to address these water-sharing disputes and guarantee the rights of Iranian citizens affected by water scarcity.
The ongoing situation concerning the Helmand River and water allocation between Iran and Afghanistan highlights significant regional tensions linked to resource management. As Iranian residents suffer from severe drought caused by insufficient water from the Taliban, it becomes increasingly critical for relevant authorities to act directly to safeguard Iran’s water rights as stipulated in international treaties.
Original Source: ifpnews.com
