Baghdad: The Ministry of Water Resources announced today, Monday, the implementation of a package of strategic measures to address the high salinity in the Euphrates River and secure safe water for the residents of the river basin, while also aiming to reduce negative environmental impacts.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry stated that the decrease in water revenues from upstream countries, along with the inflow of groundwater with high salt concentrations into the riverbed, has worsened the salinity problem in the central and southern regions. This situation necessitated immediate action to address the growing issue.

The Ministry detailed that the initiatives include completing the first phase of cleaning and disinfecting the eastern Euphrates drains, spanning 62 kilometers. This effort is intended to enhance water discharge absorption and ensure its arrival at the general outfall station in Dhi Qar Governorate, which will help reduce salt accumulation and improve water quality.

Furthermore, the Ministry has taken a significant step by reversing the discharge of the drains that previously flowed into the right Euphrates River, diverting them instead to the eastern Euphrates drains. This procedure aims to reduce the direct flow of salt water into the river, thereby helping lower salinity levels and improving the water environment.