List of dams and reservoirs in Afghanistan

Jalalabad dam

List of dams and reservoirs in Afghanistan

Afghanistan, a landlocked country in South Asia, has numerous dams and reservoirs that play a crucial role in water management, irrigation, and hydroelectric power generation. The country's rugged terrain and seasonal rivers make the construction and maintenance of these structures essential for agricultural and urban water supply.

Major Dams and Reservoirs

==== Kajaki Dam

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The Kajaki Dam is located on the Helmand River in the Helmand Province. It is one of the most significant dams in Afghanistan, providing water for irrigation and generating hydroelectric power. The dam has a reservoir capacity of approximately 1.7 billion cubic meters.

==== Dahla Dam

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The Dahla Dam, also known as the Arghandab Dam, is situated on the Arghandab River in the Kandahar Province. It is the second-largest dam in Afghanistan and is primarily used for irrigation purposes. The reservoir has a capacity of around 500 million cubic meters.

==== Naghlu Dam

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The Naghlu Dam is located on the Kabul River in the Kabul Province. It is a major source of hydroelectric power for the region, with an installed capacity of 100 MW. The dam's reservoir can hold up to 550 million cubic meters of water.

==== Sardeh Dam

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The Sardeh Dam is situated on the Ghazni River in the Ghazni Province. It serves both irrigation and water supply purposes. The reservoir has a capacity of approximately 270 million cubic meters.

==== Band-e Amir

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Band-e Amir is a series of natural lakes in the Bamyan Province, which are considered one of Afghanistan's most beautiful natural attractions. While not man-made, these lakes function similarly to reservoirs, storing water and supporting local agriculture.

Other Notable Dams

• Pashdan Dam - Located in the Herat Province, primarily used for irrigation.
• Salma Dam - Also known as the Afghan-India Friendship Dam, located on the Hari River in the Herat Province, used for irrigation and hydroelectric power.
• Kamal Khan Dam - Situated on the Helmand River in the Nimroz Province, used for irrigation and flood control.

Importance of Dams and Reservoirs

Dams and reservoirs in Afghanistan are vital for several reasons:

• **Irrigation**: They provide essential water for agriculture, which is a significant part of Afghanistan's economy.
• **Hydroelectric Power**: Many dams generate electricity, contributing to the country's energy needs.
• **Water Supply**: They ensure a stable water supply for urban and rural areas.
• **Flood Control**: Dams help manage and mitigate the impact of seasonal floods.

Challenges

Afghanistan faces several challenges in managing its dams and reservoirs:

• **Security Issues**: Ongoing conflict and instability can hinder maintenance and development projects.
• **Funding**: Limited financial resources can affect the construction and upkeep of these structures.
• **Environmental Concerns**: Ensuring the ecological balance while managing water resources is crucial.

Future Prospects

Efforts are being made to improve and expand Afghanistan's water management infrastructure. International aid and investment play a significant role in these developments, aiming to enhance the country's agricultural productivity and energy generation capabilities.

See Also

• Geography of Afghanistan
• Economy of Afghanistan
• Water supply and sanitation in Afghanistan
• Hydroelectricity