Economic, agricultural, and environmental benefits of Kamal Khan Dam for Afghanistan

Investigative Reports Mohammad Tahab Nawabi Wednesday March 24th, 2021 0 Views

Nimroz province is one of the country’s tropical and flat provinces, which is located in the geographical coordinates of 21.30 degrees north latitude and 55.66 degrees east longitude. It shares a political border with Iran in the west and Pakistan in the south and Farah province in the north, and Helmand province in the east, which has a unique geo-economic and geopolitical position. Nimroz has a hot and dry climate, with hot and dry summers and mild winters with rainfall. Small and large seas in the province have created favorable living conditions for its inhabitants and livestock. Helmand Sea is the immense sea in Nimroz province, which originates from the Hindu Kush mountain range’s central heights and flows to the west and southwest.

The passage of this sea through the meandering valleys of the central mountains leads to the destruction of lands and soil texture and the creation of terrible floods in different seasons of the year.

Meanwhile, the conditions are ready for the construction of hydropower dams and the production of energy for the country’s prosperity, and the irrigation of lands for the growth and development of agriculture along these seas. Kajaki Dam in the past and Kamal Khan Dam this year were put into operation in the same direction. According to officials, the dam can generate 9 megawatts of electricity and irrigate about 80,000 agricultural land hectares.

Impact of Kamal Khan Dam on the environmental conditions of the region
The situation in Afghanistan is different from other countries in terms of environmental conditions. Considering the billions of cubic meters of freshwater can be the basis for economic growth and social development in the region, which unfortunately has not been achieved due to poor political conditions. The country’s agricultural and livestock sector has a decisive role in the country’s development and economic growth, which requires the government and the Ministries of Energy, Water, Agriculture, Livestock, and other relevant institutions to prepare for this sector to achieve development from different dimensions.

The environmental situation in the west and southwest of the country is slightly different than in other regions. Although Afghanistan is a mountainous country, most of which is highland, the situation is different in the country’s southwestern part. The climate of this region is sweltering and dry desert, and the average annual rainfall is low. Also, the rate of evaporation is higher than the amount of rainfall. Along the rivers, villages have been formed whose people make a living by hunting fish and birds, farming, and raising livestock. The presence of water reservoirs and water reservoirs in the vast arid and desert areas makes it more attractive and makes it a good place for tourists and tourists. Extensive water availability causes climate diversity at the local and regional levels, saving southwestern Afghanistan from drought and water scarcity for years to come.

These reservoirs fill the underground aquifers of the surrounding areas and partially eliminate the inhabitants’ serious need for water. The presence of water can make the surrounding plains and deserts green and change the area’s appearance. These reservoirs form pastures for livestock and prevent floods and floods in the southwestern part of the country. Nimroz province is located between 0 to 210 degrees in terms of land slope and has the lowest slope of the whole country (0-865), and this is one of the essential components in urban-rural development, creating gardens, agricultural lands. Establishment of residential towns, industrial companies, construction, transportation, etc. Concerning its location, Kamal Khan Dam is located approximately between areas with a land slope (0-16), which indicates the absence of elevation contradictions. It is also between 420 and 500 meters above sea level and is lower than its wings, which plays a role in the amount of water intake and prevents water from flowing around.
Nimroz province in the southwest of the country has unique and special features that the Afghan government can use in the not too distant future as a strategic region for developing the country and the region. In this case, strengths, weaknesses, abilities, and threats should not be ignored; Because the development and especially the creation of water ports that block the flow of water abroad, is considered one of the “capabilities” of the region, in which case the “threats” that will occur in the future should be considered. It leads to political, economic, and social conflicts between the countries of the region.

Author: Hamidullah Amiri Ghoriani, Member of the Leadership of the Social Justice Youth Council of Afghanistan