The Diyala Provincial Council has denied reports claiming that the Ministry of Water Resources has abandoned plans to build a submerged dam on the Diyala River, describing those reports as inaccurate.
Council Chairman Omar Al-Karawi said the ministry remains committed to the project and has already sent a team of experts to conduct field studies and evaluate the most suitable locations for the proposed dam.
According to Al-Karawi, the project has been anticipated by residents for more than 50 years and could significantly improve water management in the province. He explained that the dam would help increase water storage and improve the use of available water resources, benefiting orchards and agricultural lands along the Diyala River.
He also noted that the project could create opportunities for tourism development in the area, adding further economic value beyond its agricultural benefits.
Al-Karawi stressed that constructing a submerged dam is a complex project that requires extensive engineering studies to determine its feasibility, cost, and the best location for construction. For that reason, the evaluation process is expected to take time.
He confirmed that the final decision will be made by a specialized engineering committee, which will assess the technical details and determine how and where the project can move forward. For now, he said, the ministry continues to study the project and has not withdrawn from its plans to pursue it.
