Can a new dam ease drought for Gulran’s struggling farmers?
Gulran, Afghanistan, Monday, September 8, 2025 – The Herat province new dam project, a water diversion dam in Gulran district, began construction to combat drought, supported by the Afghan Red Crescent Society and funded by the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The Herat province new dam project addresses severe water scarcity in Gulran, a drought-stricken region of Afghanistan, enhancing agricultural resilience and supporting returnees from Iran, with potential to influence water management strategies across South Asia’s arid zones.
Launch of Gulran’s Water Diversion Dam
The Herat province new dam project, officially launched in Gulran district, is part of the “Smart Agriculture and Water Management Against Climate Change” initiative. Implemented by the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) with financial backing from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the project aims to alleviate chronic water shortages for irrigation and drinking. Costing AFN 12.5 million, the dam is designed to store and divert water to support local agriculture and groundwater replenishment.
According to Ahmad Rashid, head of the ARCS office in Herat, the Herat province new dam project targets local farmers, particularly returnees deported from Iran, with plans to distribute pistachio saplings to 200–300 farmers and provide cash assistance. The project also prioritizes job creation, employing many returnees in construction work.
Addressing Drought and Flood Challenges
Gulran, located in northern Herat province, has faced severe drought and seasonal flooding, devastating local agriculture. Farmers report crop failures due to reduced rainfall and flood damage to orchards and homes during rainy seasons. Niaz Mohammad, a Gulran resident, stated, “Water dries up in summer, and our four springs are insufficient.” Nazir Ahmad, another resident, added, “Drinking and irrigation water have been scarce for years.”
The Herat province new dam project aims to mitigate these issues by ensuring a steady water supply for farming and livestock. By storing water during rainy periods, the dam will reduce flood risks and provide reserves during dry seasons, enhancing agricultural productivity in a region heavily impacted by climate change.
Economic and Social Benefits
The Herat province new dam project is not only a water management solution but also a source of economic opportunity. Most workers on the project are recent returnees from Iran, addressing unemployment among this vulnerable group. Nisar Ahmad, a worker, said, “After years in Iran, this project gave me a job upon return.” Abdul Rahim, another worker, noted, “The dam will support groundwater, agriculture, and livestock, benefiting our community.”
The initiative includes plans for distributing pistachio saplings, which are well-suited to arid conditions, to boost long-term agricultural sustainability. According to the ARCS, cash assistance will further support farmers, enabling them to invest in their land and recover from economic losses caused by drought.
Regional Context and Climate Challenges
The Herat province new dam project aligns with broader efforts to address Afghanistan’s water management issues, exacerbated by climate change. Gulran’s farmers have faced years of reduced rainfall, with only four springs available for a population reliant on agriculture. Seasonal floods have compounded the problem, destroying crops and infrastructure. The dam’s construction reflects a growing focus on small-scale water diversion projects across Afghanistan, as seen in the completion of 142 similar dams nationwide by March 2025, costing AFN 126 million.
Background
Herat province, a key agricultural region in western Afghanistan, has been severely affected by climate change, with droughts and floods disrupting livelihoods. The Salma Dam, completed in 2016, irrigates 75,000 hectares and generates 42 megawatts of electricity, but smaller districts like Gulran still face water shortages. The Pashdan Dam, 80% complete as of November 2024, aims to irrigate 13,000 hectares, but its benefits are yet to reach remote areas. The Herat province new dam project in Gulran complements these efforts, focusing on localized solutions for returnees and farmers.
What’s Next
The Herat province new dam project, known as the Pashdan Dam, has reached approximately 95% completion as of March 2025. The dam was officially inaugurated on August 14, 2025, marking its operational readiness. ARCS’s plans to distribute saplings and cash by early 2026 were not found in any accessible sources.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 8th, 2025
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