Decline in Sirwan river flow raises concerns of villagers

People living in the villages around Sirwan River say that the decline in Sirwan river flow has affected them. “We are concerned about the decline in water level.”

MIHRÎBAN SELAM KAKAYÎ

Halabja - The Sirwan River begins in Iran and runs along its border with Iraq before flowing into Federal Kurdistan Region and then on south to join the Tigris. The banks of the Sirwan River were used as picnic areas by the local people; however, sand washing plants built around the river have destroyed the nature of the region. In addition to the damage caused by these sand washing plants, the decline in the Sirwan river flow also affects nature. The water level of the Sirwan River has seriously fallen.

“We are concerned about the decline in water level”

The citizens living in the İmam Zamin village located around Sirwan River make a living from the river. The decline in the river flow has negatively affected the villagers. Şiler Mehmud, one of the villagers, spoke to our news agency about the decline in the river water level. “The level of water is lower than in previous years. The level of water has decreased every passing year. However, the decline in water level this year scares us. I moved to this village in 1979. The decline in Sirwan river flow has affected our village.”