Official urges restart for Razzaza Dam project
Karbala welcomes recent rainfall, eyes potential rainwater harvesting to combat drought
KARBALA — Karbala’s Directorate of Water Resources is monitoring recent rainfall, measuring 1 millimeter per hour in the city center and slightly higher in surrounding areas, crucial for managing water resources in the drought-prone governorate.
Ali Fadel, media director for the water resources department, said officials were closely monitoring water flow through the Hindaya Barrage, ensuring river levels remain stable and agricultural lands receive sufficient irrigation.
Before the rainy season, canals and rivers undergo maintenance to optimize water drainage. However, experts warn further measures are needed.
Hassan Al-Sharifi, water expert and former advisor to the governor, emphasized that vegetation and crops in Karbala typically require higher rainfall, urging for the goverrnment to revive the Razzaza Dam project. The plan has been stalled since 2011 despite being allocated a specific location.
Rainfall in Karbala not only benefits local vegetation and crops, but helps fight extreme heat, especially in desert areas, and improves air quality.
Al-Sharifi stressed the urgency of building the Razzaza Dam and implementing water harvesting techniques to combat water scarcity across the region.