After 40 Years, Water Being Stored at Pashdan Dam in Herat

Local officials in Herat said that the water storage process at the Pashdan Dam has begun.

According to them, more than 95% of the dam’s wall construction has been completed, and the Pashdan Dam will soon become operational.

Recent rainfall and flooding have led to the accumulation of water in this dam.

Mohammad Arif Achakzai, the project manager of the Pashdan Dam, stated: “After forty years, today, water storage has started at the Pashdan Dam, and water is now stored up to fifteen meters above ground level. The Pashdan Dam is a national project, and the start of water storage here is a great honor for the Afghan nation.”

The commencement of water storage at the Pashdan Dam has brought joy to the residents of Herat. Every day, many citizens visit the dam to see its water.

“It creates job opportunities for people, and we can also use the water stored in this dam for agricultural purposes,” said Shakeeb Atef, a resident of Herat.

“Since childhood, we heard that a dam would be built here. We were waiting for the day when water would be stored here so we could come and watch it,” said Abdul Zahir Tajikzada, another resident of Herat.

Due to its proximity to the city of Herat, the Pashdan Dam plays a key role in developing green spaces and strengthening the city’s groundwater.

“The Pashdan Dam is significant for irrigating agricultural lands and enhancing the vibrancy of Herat city through the Juy-e-Sultani canal. Additionally, this dam produces two megawatts of electricity and has a substantial impact on strengthening groundwater. Furthermore, as it is close to Herat city, this dam will become a major recreational area for the city,” said Mohammad Rafiq Shaheer, head of the Herat Experts Council.

The Pashdan Dam is built over the Karukh River, fifteen kilometers east of Herat city. The dam has a storage capacity of 54 million cubic meters of water, can produce two megawatts of electricity, and irrigate 13,000 hectares of agricultural land. The dam is expected to be operational within a few months.