The Taliban are facing challenges with the Qoshtepa canal project in the Balkh part of the Amudarya, according to Najibullah Sadid, an expert on Afghanistan's water resources.
Satellite images from early July reveal that overflow from the Amudarya River has damaged parts of the Qoshtepa canal's intake dam, washing away stretches of up to 200 meters.
Previously, Sadid expressed doubts about the project's design and criticized the Taliban's unsuccessful attempts to combat erosion along the Amudarya's banks.
The canal is intended to divert water to northern Afghanistan, potentially leading to water scarcity in parts of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
"Climate change is causing Uzbekistan to lose 15 percent of its water, if another 10 percent is lost after the construction of the canal, Uzbekistan may lose 25 percent of its water," — The Econonomist
Despite concerns, Afghanistan's Prime Minister, Abdul Ghani Barodar, insists that the canal project doesn't infringe on neighboring countries' water rights and Afghanistan's water usage remains within its entitlements.
"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is dedicated to the Qosh Tepa Canal Project and that one of the goals of their visit was to assure the nation that they are dedicated to the completion of this project at any cost."- Afghan Deputy PM Abdul Ghani Barodar stated in March.
Daryo previously reported on the rising regional tensions related to water access such as the Iran-Afghan border clash in May and as well as the potential impact on regional water security this project will have.
During a Liberal Democratic Party meeting on May 30, Mirziyoyev underscored the importance of water management in his election campaign. He plans to incorporate water-saving technologies across all agricultural lands, drawing from successful practices in Turkey, Spain, and China. Those who adopt these water conservation methods will receive incentives.
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