KABUL: In the backdrop of growing tensions between Kabul and Tehran regarding water supply from the Helmand River, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has announced that Iranian experts are actively investigating the water supply situation in Sistan and Baluchistan, originating from Afghanistan.
During a press conference, President Raisi emphasized Iran’s commitment to maintaining positive relations with its neighbouring countries and highlighted the significance of adhering to the Helmand River Water Treaty. He further revealed that discussions between the two nations have led to the deployment of an expert group to assess the water availability for meeting the needs of Sistan and Baluchistan. The investigation is currently underway to determine the feasibility of sustaining the water requirements of the region.
Ali Salajegheh, the Vice President of Iran and the head of Iran’s Department of Environment, echoed these sentiments during another press conference. He shared that the authorities within the Islamic Emirate, referring to Afghanistan, have displayed a willingness to fulfil the nation’s water rights from the Helmand River. However, this commitment is conditional upon suitable levels of rainfall and favourable water conditions within Afghanistan itself.
In response, the Islamic Emirate attributes the existing water scarcity to climate change and ongoing drought conditions. They underscore their commitment to upholding the terms outlined in the 1973 bilateral pact between the two nations. Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, stated, “Climatic changes and continuous droughts that have occurred have caused water shortage problems. The Islamic Emirate provides water rights according to the 1973 treaty.”
Amidst these discussions, voices within Afghanistan have risen to provide perspective on the matter. Shaker Yaqoubi, an economist, commented on Iran’s tendency to hold Afghanistan accountable, asserting that Afghanistan’s primary focus should be resolving its internal water needs before contemplating significant water exports to other countries.
Notably, Iranian experts had previously undertaken a delegation to Afghanistan to examine the water meter of Dehravud, a critical element in water measurement and allocation under the 1973 treaty. According to this historical agreement, Afghanistan is obligated to share water from the Helmand River with Iran at a rate of 26 cubic meters per second, amounting to 850 million cubic meters annually.
