Kunar river
Context: Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities have approved plans to divert water from the Kunar (Chitral) River toward the Darunta Dam, raising fears of reduced downstream flows into Pakistan.
About Kunar River:
What it is?
- The Kunar River, known as the Chitral River in Pakistan, is a major transboundary Himalayan River flowing through Pakistan and Afghanistan.
- It is a key component of the Indus Basin system, supporting irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower.
Origin:
- Source: Chiantar Glacier in the Hindu Kush Mountains
- Location: Northern Chitral region, Pakistan
Course and flow:
- Rises in Chitral (Pakistan) as the Chitral/Mastuj River
- Enters Afghanistan at Arandu, where it is called the Kunar River
- Flows through Kunar and Nangarhar provinces
- Merges with the Kabul River near Jalalabad
- The Kabul River then flows back into Pakistan and joins the Indus River near Attock
Countries it flows through: Pakistan → Afghanistan → Pakistan (via Kabul–Indus system)
Tributaries of the Kunar River:
- Pech River (major tributary)
- Lotkoh River
Kunar River is a tributary of: Kabul River, which is itself a tributary of the Indus River
Key features:
- Transboundary river: Shared by Pakistan and Afghanistan, with strategic and geopolitical importance.
- Glacial-fed system: Around 60–70% of its discharge originates in Pakistan, making upstream changes critical for downstream users.
- Economic significance: Vital for irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and eastern Afghanistan.
- Security sensitivity: The basin lies in a conflict-prone border region, linking water stress with security risks.
- No legal framework: Unlike the Indus Waters Treaty, no bilateral treaty governs Kunar waters, increasing the risk of water disputes.