Local
Minister of Water Resources, Muthanna Al-Tamimi, on Tuesday directed intensifying preparations and raising the level of early readiness to face the challenges of the upcoming winter season, including potential flood risks and drought management. These directives come as part of the Ministry's efforts to ensure effective water resource management amidst climate changes. The directives were issued during his chairmanship of the Central Flood and Drought Operations Room meeting, attended by general directors and directors of water resources from the capital Baghdad and all provinces. During the meeting, Al-Tamimi emphasized the importance of full preparation for the upcoming winter season and the necessity of strengthening control mechanisms over water storage systems to ensure efficient water resource management. The Minister stressed making maximum use of the expertise and efforts exerted by the Ministry's formations during the current summer agricultural season, and intensifying mechanical and human efforts to ensure the success of the winter season and overcome any potential water emergencies, underscoring the spirit of responsibility and dedication in performing assigned tasks. In a related context, the Minister noted that the level of beneficiary satisfaction with the Ministry's performance reflects the efforts made by its staff, calling for continued effective coordination with oversight and legislative bodies, as well as relevant ministries and institutions. Al-Tamimi also directed the preparation of a proactive plan for the mechanical efforts of all Ministry formations, and taking all necessary measures to raise the level of readiness and preparedness to address any emergency situations that may arise during the upcoming winter season. The meeting featured a comprehensive review of the water situation in the Tigris and Euphrates basins and their tributaries, including an analysis of current water storage and water revenues for the current hydrological year compared to last year. Discussions also covered water allocation percentages for submerging marsh areas, and examined projected water revenues for the 2025–2026 hydrological year, in addition to current and projected live storage until the first of November. The meeting also addressed the storage of major dams in the upper Tigris and Euphrates basins and rainfall forecasts for the upcoming season. Furthermore, attendees discussed the issue of encroachments within Baghdad city and along the Tigris and Euphrates basins, monitoring bottlenecks and encroachments affecting river courses and flood sections, along with following up on legal procedures and lawsuits taken against transgressors. The Minister listened to the main obstacles facing the Ministry's formations, particularly concerning clearance and river dredging works and fuel provision amidst limited financial allocations, directing the finding of appropriate solutions and overcoming these obstacles in accordance with prevailing regulations, instructions, and laws, to enhance the Ministry's readiness and capacity to optimally deal with various water conditions in the upcoming winter season.
