Taliban Releases Water from Pashdan Dam in Herat for Irrigation for First Time

The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Taliban authorities have released water from the Pashdan Dam in Herat province for the first time to irrigate agricultural land, according to the Taliban’s Ministry of Energy and Water.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry said the initial phase of water release has reached villages in Karukh district, with plans to extend supply to Injil and Pashtun Zarghun districts, as well as canals in northern Herat city in subsequent stages.
The statement said the release took place in the presence of local Taliban officials and representatives of the Harirod-Murghab river basin authority, following requests from farmers in Karukh district.
The ministry added that officials emphasized the importance of maintaining the dam and ensuring the effective use of the released water.
From Afghanistan’s perspective, the move is expected to support agricultural production in Herat province, where farmers rely heavily on consistent water access for irrigation.