- Why is the Helmand River basin important?
- Quick Facts about the Helmand Basin
- What primary species are found in Helmand River watershed?
- What rare, threatened or endangered species are found in the Helmand river watershed Afghanistan?
Why is the Helmand River basin important?
The Helmand River is Afghanistan's longest river and plays an important role in the country's economy due to its contribution to irrigation, food production, and hydroelectric power generation. The river also serves as a major transportation artery as it flows through the country, connecting strategic towns and cities along its length.
Quick Facts about the Helmand Basin
1. The Helmand River is the longest and largest river in Afghanistan, with a length of 1,500 miles.
2. The Helmand River begins in the Hindu Kush Mountains and flows all the way to the Iranian border.
3. It is one of the five rivers that make up the great watershed of Central Asia, which includes rivers flowing from Iran, Tajikistan and other Central Asian countries.
4. The Helmand River basin is home to numerous irrigation projects, making it an important source of drinking water for millions of Afghans living in rural areas.
5. Historically, battle sites such as Operation Moshtarak were situated in close proximity to the Helmand River due to its abundance of natural resources and strategic significance as a transportation hub connecting Northern and Southern Afghanistan as well as providing Afghan forces with cover from air strikes or ground forces actions by neighboring countries including Iran, Pakistan and China.
6. Through its entire course, fishing is a major activity along the Helmand River and its fertile banks are a major source of food for many residents living along its route from Kabul to far-west China or India .
7. Unfortunately numerous population centers residing alongside this beautiful river have been damaged due to military action resulting in forced migrations (that continues until today).
What primary species are found in Helmand River watershed?
The main species found in the Helmand River watershed Afghanistan include: Common Carp, Common Barbel, Silver Barbel, Gray Mullet, Golden Mahseer, Chilwa Barbus, Schizothorax and Afghan Snowtrout.
What rare, threatened or endangered species are found in the Helmand river watershed Afghanistan?
1. Indus River Dolphin (endangered)
2. Afghan Urial sheep (endangered)
3. Siberian Crane (endangered)
4. Snow Leopard (vulnerable)
5. Indian Wolf (endangered)
6. Rynchops Lophocephalus Maculates (critically endangered)
7. Houbara Bustard (near threatened)