The Swamps Of Afghanistan: Uncovering A Hidden Landscape

Afghanistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, located on the Iranian Plateau. It is a mountainous region with several major rivers, including the Helmand River, which flows into the Sistan swamps on the border of Iran and Afghanistan. These wetlands, covering 2,000 to 4,000 square kilometres, have served as a vital source of food and shelter for the people of Central Asia for millennia. However, in recent years, they have been deteriorating due to irrigation expansion and severe droughts, threatening the wildlife, towns, fisheries, and agriculture that depend on them.

The Hamoun wetlands, a source of food and shelter, have been deteriorating due to irrigation and drought

The Hamoun wetlands, situated on the border of Afghanistan and Iran, have been a vital source of food and shelter for the people of Central Asia for five millennia. Covering an area of 2,000 to 4,000 square kilometres, these wetlands are fed by the Helmand River, which flows through the arid plains of the region. The wetlands have provided an abundance of fish, game, and freshwater for farming, supporting a diverse range of wildlife, including carp, otter, leopard, and approximately 150 species of migratory birds.

However, in recent years, the Hamoun wetlands have been facing a rapid decline due to a combination of irrigation expansion and drought. Irrigation practices, particularly in the 20th century, have altered the natural water flow, making the wetlands more vulnerable to drought. The construction of large dams by Afghan governments has also diverted water from the upper reaches of the river. As a result, the once thriving wetlands have been replaced by lifeless salt flats and decaying reed stands.

The drought that began in 1998 has been one of the worst in Central Asia's history, with precipitation in the Sistan Basin dropping by 78% in 2001. This prolonged dry period has had a devastating impact on the wetlands, causing the local fish and bird populations to disappear. The winds that once cooled by the waters of the wetlands are now carrying dust, sand, and salt from the lakebeds, affecting the surrounding villages.

The deterioration of the Hamoun wetlands has had far-reaching consequences. It has led to the loss of wildlife, fisheries, agriculture, and even entire towns. The local communities, who relied on the wetlands for their livelihoods, have been displaced, and the risk of malnutrition and waterborne diseases has increased. The influx of refugees from Afghanistan has further strained the limited resources in the region.

Efforts are being made to restore the Hamoun wetlands and address the environmental challenges. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is working with local communities to establish more sustainable and climate-smart practices. Additionally, the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) has initiated a project to identify hotspots of environmental change and develop strategies for restoration. While the future of the Hamoun wetlands remains uncertain, there is a growing recognition of the need for urgent action to preserve this crucial ecosystem.

The Helmand River flows southwest across Afghanistan and empties into the Helmand swamps on the border with Iran

The Helmand River, also known as the Daryā-ye Helmand, Erymandrus, Helmund River, or Hilmand River, is the longest river in Afghanistan. It rises in the northeastern part of Maidan Wardak Province in the Hindu Kush mountains and flows southwestward across more than half the length of Afghanistan before flowing northward through Iranian territory. The river is approximately 715 miles (1,150 km) long and drains more than 100,000 square miles (160,000 square km).

The Helmand River is one of Afghanistan's most important rivers and is extensively used for irrigation. A reservoir has been built at Kajaki, 50 miles (80 km) above Gereshk, for irrigation and flood control. The river also has several distributary channels that have carried its waters at different times in the past. Below the reservoir, much of the river's length is tapped for irrigation, and a fertile, populous belt follows its course.

The Helmand River flows southwest across Afghanistan and empties into the Helmand (Sistan) swamps on the border with Iran. The river is a primary watershed for the endorheic Sistan Basin, which includes the Hamoun wetlands, located on the border between Afghanistan and Iran. These wetlands, fed by the Helmand River, have been a major source of food and shelter for the people of Central Asia for millennia. They have provided an abundant source of fish, game, and freshwater for farming, supporting a diverse range of wildlife and serving as a vital stop for migrating birds.

However, in recent years, the Hamoun wetlands have deteriorated rapidly due to irrigation expansion and severe droughts. The once fertile wetlands have been replaced by lifeless salt flats and decaying reed stands. This has had a significant impact on the surrounding wildlife, towns, fisheries, and agriculture. The decline of the wetlands has also affected the local climate, with winds blowing dust, sand, and salt from the lakebeds onto the surrounding villages.

The Helmand River and its water resources have been a source of dispute between Afghanistan and Iran for decades. Iran heavily relies on the river's water for irrigating farmland in its southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan. Afghanistan, on the other hand, also needs water for crop cultivation and has accelerated the construction of hydroelectric dams and irrigation systems. The dispute between the two countries centres around Iran's claim to a portion of the Helmand's waters, as stipulated in a 1973 treaty.

Afghanistan's drainage system is mostly landlocked, with freshwater flowing into neighbouring countries

Afghanistan is a landlocked country with a mountainous landscape. Its drainage system is mostly enclosed within the country, with only the eastern rivers draining into the sea. The country's freshwater sources, including rivers, lakes, and streams, have historically flowed into neighbouring countries.

Afghanistan's drainage system is largely landlocked, with only the eastern rivers draining into the sea. The country contains several major rivers, including the Amu Darya, Arghandab, Farah, Hari, Helmand, Kabul, Kokcha, and Kunar. These rivers flow into inland lakes or dry up in sandy deserts, providing a vital source of freshwater for the region.

The Helmand River, one of Afghanistan's most important rivers, flows southwestward across the country and into Iran, emptying into the Sistan swamps on the Afghan-Iranian border. This river has been a source of dispute between the two countries, with Iran claiming a portion of its waters. The Helmand River is essential for irrigation and flood control, supporting a fertile and populous belt along its course.

The Kabul River, the major eastern stream, flows into the Indus River in Pakistan, which eventually empties into the Arabian Sea. The Hari River, another significant water source, originates in the western slopes of the Baba Mountains and flows westward, irrigating the Herāt Valley before forming a border between Afghanistan and Iran and eventually disappearing into the Karakum Desert in Turkmenistan.

The country's freshwater resources are not evenly distributed, with most of it flowing into neighbouring countries. Afghanistan loses about two-thirds of its water to Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. This has led to water scarcity and tension with neighbouring nations over water rights.

In addition to its rivers, Afghanistan also has a few lakes, such as the Saberi salt flat and the saline Lake Istadeh-ye Moqor. However, the country faces challenges with water quality and access, with only about 67% of the population having access to drinking water as of 2019. Climate change, drought, and pollution further exacerbate these issues, impacting both the availability and safety of water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

The drainage system of Afghanistan, with its landlocked nature and outflow of freshwater to neighbouring countries, presents unique challenges and tensions in the region. The country's geography and climate heavily influence its water resources and the lives of its people.

The country has limited natural freshwater resources, with most households lacking access to safe drinking water

Afghanistan has limited natural freshwater resources, with most households lacking access to safe drinking water. The country's water supply is managed by the National Water Affairs Regulation Authority (NWARA), which is based in the capital city of Kabul. While Afghanistan has significant freshwater sources, it struggles to increase access to safe drinking water for its citizens. The total annual renewable water resources per capita have decreased from 5,000 cubic meters per person in 1990 to less than 2,000 cubic meters in 2017. This decline is due to weaker domestic water resources management, institutional overlapping, and discoordination.

The effects of climate change, geographical constraints, and a lack of education on clean water and sanitation contribute to the water crisis in Afghanistan. The country is landlocked, and its natural freshwater sources flow into neighboring countries. Afghanistan loses about two-thirds of its water to Pakistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The Helmand River, for example, flows into the Helmand (Sistan) swamps on the Afghan-Iranian border.

Access to safe drinking water is a significant issue in Afghanistan, with only 42-45.5% of the population having access. The situation is worse in rural areas, where only 27% have access to improved water sources, and just 2.4% have access to sanitation facilities. The lack of access to safe drinking water has severe health consequences, especially for children. Water-borne diseases, such as cholera and diarrheal disease, are prevalent and contribute to high mortality rates among children under five.

The water infrastructure in Afghanistan has been damaged by decades of war and conflict. Fighting between different groups and the shelling of cities have destroyed pump stations and other water infrastructure. Additionally, the Taliban's focus on imposing their version of Islamic law rather than rebuilding infrastructure has exacerbated the issue. The lack of access to sanitation facilities has led to open defecation, further contaminating water sources.

To address the water crisis, Afghanistan has expanded rural water supply infrastructure through community participation in the National Solidarity Program. There have also been improvements in water supply in cities like Herat and Kunduz. International organizations like UNICEF and USAID are partnering with the Afghan government to increase access to safe drinking water and improve hygiene practices. Despite these efforts, the water crisis in Afghanistan persists, and the country continues to struggle to provide its citizens with safe drinking water.

The war in Afghanistan has contributed to environmental degradation and the destruction of wetlands

Afghanistan has been in a state of continuous conflict since 1964, with the contemporary war tracing back to the Soviet-Afghan War in 1979. The war in Afghanistan has had a detrimental impact on the country's environment, contributing to environmental degradation and the destruction of wetlands.

The use of heavy military vehicles and weaponry has led to increased air pollution, with the release of toxic emissions and pollutants. This has not only adversely affected the health of civilians and veterans but also contaminated water sources and agricultural land. The degradation of traditional irrigation systems, such as the karez, has further exacerbated the issue, with military activity and societal effects of conflict contributing to a decline in irrigated land. Additionally, deforestation and illegal logging, particularly by warlords, have destroyed wildlife habitats and reduced forest cover to less than 2% in Afghanistan.

The impact of the war has also been felt in the agricultural sector, with frequent bombardment and movements of heavy vehicles damaging irrigation systems and cropland. The destruction of orchards and farmland, along with the failure of irrigation, have resulted in food insecurity, loss of livestock, and livelihood. This has, in turn, incentivized farmers to shift from livestock to poppy farming, as poppies are hardier and have a guaranteed value on the global market.

Furthermore, the presence of landmines, estimated at over ten million in Afghanistan, poses a significant environmental threat. Landmines not only contaminate the soil but also disrupt the food chain, impacting the country's economy and depleting its already scarce resources. The extensive land mining of mountain passes and valley pastures has made Afghanistan one of the most densely mined countries in the world.

The combination of war, drought, and deforestation has taken a toll on Afghanistan's wetlands, causing irreversible damage to natural habitats and wildlife. The Hamoun wetlands, once a major source of food and shelter for the people of Central Asia, have deteriorated rapidly due to irrigation expansion and drought. The once fertile wetlands have been replaced by arid salt flats, and the surrounding wildlife, towns, fisheries, and agriculture have all but disappeared.

Overall, the war in Afghanistan has had a devastating impact on the country's environment, contributing to environmental degradation, the destruction of wetlands, and long-lasting ecological damage. The restoration of Afghanistan's environment will require significant efforts and international cooperation to address the complex web of life that has been affected.

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