Baghdad:The National Higher Committee for Water convened its first session under the leadership of Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi, addressing critical issues concerning the country’s water management strategies.

According to the National Iraqi News Agency, the session, held with the participation of various ministers, advisors, and executive officials, focused on evaluating water levels in reservoirs and dams and devising strategies for managing rainwater and floodwaters. Key decisions were made to improve the management of water reserves, aligning them with national needs.

The committee decided on several measures, including legal actions against pollution sources in the Diyala River, assessing and inspecting dams and barrages as part of the Ministry of Water Resources’ investment plan, and securing necessary funds for these initiatives. Additionally, daily-wage workers at the Mosul Dam will be converted to contract workers due to the importance of the foundation remediation project.

A central committee will be formed, chaired by the Ministry of Water Resources, to address procedural conflicts between water-harvesting dam projects and other ministries’ projects. Furthermore, the committee approved recommendations from the National Team for the Regional Initiative to protect the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. These include monitoring project implementation, forming a committee for high-priority project approvals, simplifying the inclusion of initiative projects in the investment budget, and securing funds for strategic projects.

Moreover, the implementation of effective measures to reduce river pollution, installation and operation of wastewater treatment plants, and involvement of civil society organizations in pollution-reduction efforts were emphasized. The Ministry of Environment will oversee plant operations, identify violations, and enforce legal measures.