The Helmand Water Conflict — Balanced Report

Iran and Afghanistan have been at odds for a long time over the distribution of water from the Helmand River.
In the recent past, there have been violent clashes at the two countries’ border.

The Helmand River is Afghanistan’s longest river, stretching around 1,150 kilometres (715 miles).
It originates in the western Hindu Kush mountain range near Kabul.
The river travels south-west across desert terrain before draining into Lake Hamun, which spans the Afghanistan-Iran border.
Lake Hamun, which is supplied by the Helmand River, is Iran’s largest freshwater lake.
The Helmand River is an important source of water for both Afghanistan and Iran, sustaining agriculture, livelihoods, and ecosystems in the region.

Afghanistan’s longest river: The Helmand River, which originates near Kabul and flows through arid areas, is extremely important to Afghanistan.
Lake Hamun, located on the Afghanistan-Iran border, is Iran’s largest freshwater lake and has historically been supported by the Helmand River.
Drought has caused a severe drop in water levels and has largely dried up, which has been ascribed to reasons such as drought and the development of dams and water management equipment.
Lake Hamun is economically significant because it supports agricultural activities, livelihoods, and economic sectors in the surrounding areas.

The Helmand River Treaty of 1973 has been tainted: The 1973 agreement between Iran and Afghanistan to govern river water allocation has not been fully approved or adequately implemented.
Iran accuses Afghanistan of breaking its water rights: Iran has consistently accused Afghanistan of abusing its water rights, claiming that it receives far less water than was agreed upon in the 1973 deal.
Afghanistan cites climatic variables for decreased water flow: Afghanistan has denied Iran’s charges, citing meteorological factors such as decreased rainfall and river water volume as the key causes of the current situation.
Concerns over Afghanistan’s dam and irrigation projects: Tehran is concerned about Afghanistan’s plans to build dams, reservoirs, and irrigation systems along the Helmand River, fearing that these projects may reduce water flow into Iran.

Previously established relations between Iran and the Taliban: Prior to the Taliban’s conquest of Kabul, Iran maintained diplomatic connections with the group, owing to a common antipathy to US forces in the region.
The Taliban regime is not officially recognised: Despite its refusal to openly recognise the Taliban regime, Iran has collaborated with the Afghan ruling group to preserve its interests, particularly the preservation of Lake Hamun.
Border confrontations since the Taliban’s takeover: There have been numerous events and fights along the Iran-Afghanistan border since the Taliban’s takeover.

The Taliban’s interest in agriculture: The Taliban prioritises agricultural development, which determines how they manage and distribute water.
Tehran’s sudden interest in Sistan-Baluchistan following protests: Following widespread uprisings, especially in Sistan-Baluchistan, Iran’s government has focused its focus on the province due to its disadvantage and dependency on Lake Hamun’s water resources.

Lack of interest: Both Iran and the Taliban are uninterested in resolving the region’s mismanagement of water resources and environmental concerns.
Short-term emphasis on internal issues: Instead of aggressively settling the water problem, both Iran and the Taliban prioritise short-term solutions and focus on domestic matters.

Growing public outrage: Water scarcity and other economic and social issues are fueling public anger and dissatisfaction in the eastern Iranian region of Sistan-Baluchistan.
Water scarcity and other issues: Sistan-Baluchistan suffers from significant water scarcity, which contributes to economic and social difficulties in one of Iran’s poorest regions.
Creating an investigation commission: In order to handle the recent border confrontation, Iran and Afghanistan have decided to form a commission of inquiry to look into the incident.

Source: https://theprint.in/diplomacy/iran-vs-afghanistan-why-helmand-water-sharing-dispute-is-boiling-over-decades-after-treaty/1600694/