Climate Change and Climate Disaster

Monitoring changes in vegetation cover and surface water resources of the Helmand River from Kajaki Dam to Hamun of Sistan during 2021–2024 using RS and GIS

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Samad Fotoohi 1
Hossein Negaresh 1
Fatemeh Firoozi 2
Masoud Sistani Badooei 3
Noorallah Nikpour 4

1 Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geography and Environmental Planning, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran

2 Visiting Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Farhangian University, Tehran, Iran

3 Ph.D. in Geomorphology and environmental management, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran

4 Ph.D. in Geomorphology, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Farhangian University, Tehran,Iran

10.30740/cccd.2024.737294
Abstract
The Helmand River is the main water source for northern Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran. The failure to respect Iran’s water rights has intensified regional water crises, caused environmental degradation, and evolved into a significant transboundary conflict. To assess Afghanistan’s claims of drought and water shortage, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal dynamics of surface water and vegetation using Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Landsat imagery covering the area from Kajaki Dam to the Hamoun‑e‑Sistan wetlands was examined across five time intervals. The analysis focused on two key events—the commissioning of Kamal Khan Dam (26 March 2021) and the rise of the Taliban government (23 August 2021)—followed by a three‑year monitoring period up to 2024. Surface water and vegetation were mapped using NDWI and SAVI indices processed in ArcGIS and ENVI. The results show an overall increase in Afghanistan’s water bodies and vegetation, indicating that current authorities have disregarded the bilateral water treaty by diverting surplus flows from Kamal Khan Dam toward the Godzareh depression. Consequently, Iran faces serious threats, including intensified desertification, border depopulation, and environmental insecurity, requiring urgent national and international policy action.

Keywords

Drought
Helmand River
Satellite images
Kamal Khan Dam
Kajaki Dam
Subjects

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