Iran – Afghanistan Water Issue
Javad Arianpour
Today, shortage of water is one of the biggest problems in Iran. This problem exists more in the east, especially in southeast of Iran, i.e. Sistan and Balochestan. Well, seventy percent usage of water in the agricultural sector, expansion of industries, increase in population and urbanization which requires drinking water supply and sanitary purposes, along with the lack of optimal water consumption, has led to the shortage of water in Sistan and Balochestan province. Furthermore, scarcity in rainfall, lack of progress in agricultural industry, use of traditional irrigation methods and absence of suitable policies for exploitation of water resources have added to the problems in Sistan and Balochestan. In addition, mismanagement in water consumption and Iran’s neighborhood with an unstable country like Afghanistan which does not adhere to international treaties, has severitized water shortage crisis in Sistan.
Afghanistan, with abundant water resources, has diverted the way of Hirmand river and blocked it from flowing into Iran. This diversion of the river shows that Afghan officials are not determined to pay the water rights of Iran. When Taliban came to power, the water flow from the Hirmand river to Sistan was further reduced. Apparently, Afghanistan does not want to resolve its water dispute with Iran, according to the 1973 Hirmand River Treaty. Afghan officials believe, Hirmand [river] is the property of Afghanistan and its rights belong to this country. For this, the issue of “water for oil” is raised by the Afghan government. Also, Taliban claims that by paying the so-called water rights of Iran, the water share of Afghan farmers will decrease.
Iranian officials are of the opinion that Afghanistan uses water as a tool to pressure Iran and looks at water as a permanent source of income and is no longer willing to let the water flow into Iran for free. It should be noted, in the contract signed between Hoveda (the then prime minister of Iran) and Mohammad Musa Shafiq (the then prime minister of Afghanistan), there is no clause regarding the payment of money by Iran to Afghanistan.
Whatever, the problem of water scarcity has had negative consequences for the Sistan region, these include: the drying up of the Hamoon lake, loss of agricultural and husbandry, migration of the locals, security problems at the border and presence of military forces that has caused the weariness of the military; this has also imposed heavy financial burden on the government. It seems that even with the change of governments, the water problem will remain unsolved, unless there should be some serious determination to solve this problem. However, there are four suggestions presented in the following way.
First, Sistan [Iran] must not be dependent on Afghanistan’s water. For example, the plan to transfer water from the Oman Sea to Sistan and Balochestan should be implemented. Second, Iran should take the issue up with the international organizations such as the United Nations or other relevant institutions. Third, Iran better to have some bargaining tools against Afghanistan. For instance, a new agreement should be finalized to accomodate different economic and political interests for both states, and water rights should be included as one of the conditions. Fourth, if diplomacy does not work, Iran may act through other channels; holding sessions between local leaders who enjoy influence and social status on both sides of the border, is suggested.