An Examination of the Capacity of the Helmand River Basin

الملخص

Abstract

Afghanistan is considered one of the leading countries in the world in terms of water resources. However, due to internal conflicts and interventions by neighboring countries, its water potential has not been properly identified, and comprehensive and systematic strategies for the management of the country's water resources have not been developed. Similarly, negligence toward Afghanistan's water resources has led to the waste of its water potential and the exploitation of these resources by neighboring countries. Therefore, this study aims to examine the water potential of the Helmand River Basin. The data and information used in this research are descriptive and analytical, gathered through library resources. The findings of the present study indicate that Afghanistan possesses significant water basins and resources. Afghanistan's water basins include major and minor rivers that, by passing through the country, acquire transboundary characteristics, solidifying Afghanistan's position among neighboring and distant countries. These water basins include the Amu Basin, Kabul Basin, Helmand Basin, Northern Basin, and Harirod Basin, which not only meet Afghanistan’s water needs but also directly and indirectly supply the water requirements of neighboring countries such as Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan.

Keywords: Afghanistan, Water Basin, Helmand, Neighboring Countries, Water Resources.