Herat Governor Calls for Long-Term Water Strategy to Ensure Sustainability

DID Press: Taliban-appointed governor of Herat has emphasized the need for long-term planning to secure sustainable water resources for the city, warning that short-term approaches are insufficient to meet future demand.

Noor Ahmad Islamjar made the remarks during a meeting with officials from water management, economic departments, and local experts, stressing that water governance must ensure reliable access to drinking water while also supporting agriculture and green spaces.

The discussions included proposals to supply parts of Herat’s drinking water system from the Pashdan Dam and to improve irrigation access for farmers, alongside broader infrastructure planning for water distribution.

Islamjar underscored that water policy must account not only for years of rainfall abundance but also for prolonged drought conditions, calling for planning frameworks that extend decades into the future.

He also instructed technical experts and engineers to conduct comprehensive studies on water management and submit evidence-based recommendations to provincial authorities to support informed decision-making.

The proposed strategy highlights modern irrigation systems and smart water management as key priorities for ensuring sustainable agricultural development and urban water security in Herat.