Efforts to sustain marshlands
Ministry reports significant rise in Iraq’s water reserves
NINEVEH — The Ministry of Water Resources has reported a seven-meter rise in the water level of Mosul Dam Lake, marking a significant boost to Iraq’s water reserves. The ministry is also channeling substantial volumes of water into the marshlands to support their sustainability.
Minister Aoun Dhiab told the official Al-Sabah newspaper, “Recent rainfalls and flooding have significantly increased the country’s water reserves, notably in Mosul Dam Lake, which has seen a seven-meter increase. This lake plays a crucial role in supplying the Tigris River with water during the summer.” Additionally, Dhiab mentioned improvements in water levels at the Dukan, Darbandikhan, Hamrin, and Al-Azim dams, which are now in a better position than previously.
Dhiab elaborated, “We’ve directed rain and floodwaters from the Diyala, Wasit, and Maysan provinces towards the Tigris River. We’ve also increased water releases from the Samarra Barrage to raise river flow levels in Baghdad, its southern outskirts, and other southern regions.”
In efforts to rejuvenate marshlands, Dhiab stated, “A key initiative was to direct rain and floodwaters into the marshlands to combat drought and shrinkage, especially in the Hawizeh Marsh, home to thousands of families. We’re cleaning feeder channels to ensure efficient water delivery to these areas.”
Concerning water allocation, the Minister affirmed, “Our ministry consistently provides water to the marshlands, with flows to the Hawizeh Marsh at 40 cubic meters per second, and to the Central and Hammar Marshes at 80 cubic meters per second. This is part of our efforts to dredge the Euphrates River and remove sediment at the water desalination plants’ intakes in various districts to alleviate water scarcity.”
Dhiab highlighted, “We have stored large amounts of rainwater in lakes and reservoirs along the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Recent floods were directed to the Haditha Dam and the Fallujah and Ramadi barrages to meet the water needs of agricultural lands. The ministry is also addressing illegal activities along the Tigris River, including the closure of 2,500 unauthorized fish farms.”
Recent rains replenish dams and ponds in Qaradagh
