Kunar River Diversion by Taliban: Pakistan’s Water Concerns
Why in the news
A Taliban-approved diversion scheme worries Pakistan, which fears less water for irrigation, drinking supply and hydropower in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
About the river
- Transboundary Himalayan river: Chitral in Pakistan, Kunar in Afghanistan; part of the Indus Basin.
- Origin: Chiantar Glacier, Hindu Kush, northern Chitral.
- Tributaries: Pech River and Lotkoh River.
Course
- Begins as the Chitral/Mastuj River.
- Crosses into Afghanistan at Arandu and turns Kunar.
- Flows through Kunar and Nangarhar.
- Meets the Kabul River near Jalalabad.
- Kabul re-enters Pakistan, joining the Indus near Attock.
Exam angle
- Dam: Darunta, Nangarhar.
- Join points: Jalalabad and Attock.