Sediqeh Torabi, Deputy Head of Iran’s Environmental Protection Organisation, has announced that the organisation has proposed joint environmental projects to the Taliban administration.
She stated that one of the main objectives of this proposal is to mitigate the effects of dust storms and revive the Hamoun Wetland.
According to a report by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) published on Saturday, Torabi mentioned that their assessments indicate the Taliban administration lacks an environmental department. Therefore, Iran has put forward specific proposals.
She emphasised the need to discuss water resource management for the Hamoun Wetland and noted that the Taliban has expressed willingness to cooperate on this matter.
The Hamoun Wetland is located in northern Sistan and Baluchestan Province, in Zabol County, along the Iran-Afghanistan border.
Regarding the timeline and likelihood of the Taliban fulfilling Iran’s water rights for Hamoun, Torabi stated: “The construction of the Kamal Khan diversion dam has altered the flow of water resources, particularly floodwaters.”
Previously, IRNA reported that the Kamal Khan Dam had effectively drained the life out of Hamoun.
Torabi also mentioned that during his recent visit to Kabul, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stressed the importance of restoring the Hamoun Wetland in his discussions with Taliban officials.
Earlier, the Jomhouri-e Eslami newspaper strongly criticised Araghchi’s trip to Kabul, warning: “Undoubtedly, the Taliban’s water policies will lead to severe drought in eastern Iran.”
