IRAQ: New dam threatens agriculture and marshland [View All]

[Eugene]

IRAQ: New dam threatens agriculture and marshland
29 Nov 2006 10:02:18 GMT
Source: IRIN

BAGHDAD, 29 November (IRIN) - Alarm bells rang last August at Khalifa Shawkat al-Yass'
house as news spread of the construction of a massive dam on the Tigris River in Turkey.
As a farmer depending on the Tigris, fear of losing his livelihood has been a constant
worry on his mind ever since.

-snip-

The 1,800km-long Tigris flows from eastern Turkey to southern Iraq, where it joins the
Euphrates River and eventually empties into the Gulf. The Ilisu Dam will be one of the
largest dams in Turkey and is scheduled to be completed by 2013. The dam's main
functions will be to produce hydro-electric power and bring better irrigation for local
agriculture.

However, it will reduce the amount of Tigris water entering Iraqi territories by nearly
50 percent.

-snip-

Nasser warned that this will expand desertification in Iraq and force the farmers who
depend on Tigris to abandon their lands and head to cities unless an agreement is
reached with the Turkish government.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/IRIN/30ab2ebd40fab0b9d3d77ec4f619db21.htm