Sargazi, a member of parliament, states the path of Helmand River water to Iran is still blocked
Mohammad Sargazi, speaking about water supply in the Sistan and Baluchestan region, stated that we have two discussions in this area. One is that drinking water supply must definitely be provided from domestic sources. For this reason, projects have been started to provide sustainable drinking water for one million people in the northern part of Sistan and Baluchestan province from the Tehlab wells, Hamoun Hermak plain, and Bandan. These projects were supposed to be completed and operational by December 2023, but unfortunately, this did not happen. However, it did rain, and some water from Helmand entered, providing an opportunity to expedite the project that was supposed to be completed in December.
The member of the Sistan and Baluchestan provincial representatives further clarified about the Helmand water rights, stating that according to the 1973 treaty, Afghanistan is obliged to deliver 830 million cubic meters of water to Iran in years with normal rainfall. In the past two weeks, there has been good rainfall in the Helmand watershed, and now there is a very good amount of water. However, unfortunately, due to the inaction of responsible bodies, including the Helmand Water Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we have not received the water rights.
He continued, currently, part of the Helmand River water is being diverted and not continuing its path in the natural river course. Therefore, it is necessary for the responsible bodies to seriously address this issue and strengthen the natural water transfer routes of the Helmand so that more water can be transferred to the Sistan basin.