Salma Dam

The Salma Dam, officially known as the Afghan–India Friendship Dam, is a major multipurpose hydroelectric and irrigation project located on the Hari River in the Chishti Sharif District of Herat Province, western Afghanistan. Constructed with significant technical and financial assistance from the Government of India, the dam stands as a symbol of enduring Indo–Afghan friendship and cooperation in the field of infrastructure and development.

Background and Location

The idea of building a dam on the Hari River dates back to the 1970s, when Afghanistan aimed to harness its river systems for power generation and irrigation. However, decades of political instability, conflict, and regime changes halted progress repeatedly.
The Salma Dam project was initially conceived in 1976, but construction was abandoned due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 and subsequent years of civil war. The project was later revived with Indian assistance after 2001, following the establishment of a democratic government in Kabul.
The dam is located about 165 kilometres east of Herat city, on the upper reaches of the Hari Rud, one of the major rivers in western Afghanistan.

Construction and Technical Details

The Salma Dam was constructed by WAPCOS Limited, a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India. The total cost of the project was approximately INR 1,775 crore (around USD 300 million), funded entirely by India as a grant.
Key Technical Features:

• Type: Earth and rock-fill embankment dam.
• River: Hari Rud (Hari River).
• Height: Approximately 107.5 metres.
• Length: Around 550 metres at the crest.
• Reservoir Capacity: About 640 million cubic metres (MCM).
• Installed Hydropower Capacity: 42 MW (megawatts).
• Irrigation Potential: Benefits approximately 75,000 hectares of farmland.

The dam is designed to serve dual purposes — power generation and irrigation — providing both electricity and water resources to western Afghanistan, a region that historically suffered from chronic water shortages.

Inauguration and Significance

The Salma Dam was formally inaugurated on 4 June 2016 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. On that occasion, it was officially renamed the Afghan–India Friendship Dam to reflect the partnership and goodwill between the two nations.
The inauguration was not merely a technical achievement but a diplomatic milestone, symbolising India’s commitment to Afghanistan’s reconstruction and socio-economic development after decades of conflict.

Economic and Social Benefits

The Salma Dam has played a transformative role in the regional economy and local livelihoods:

• Hydroelectric Power Generation: The 42 MW power plant provides electricity to Herat and surrounding districts, supporting both domestic and industrial needs.
• Irrigation: The project ensures a reliable supply of irrigation water for over 75,000 hectares of farmland, revitalising agriculture and improving food security in western Afghanistan.
• Employment Generation: The construction phase provided direct and indirect employment to thousands of Afghan workers, enhancing local skills and incomes.
• Regional Development: Improved power and water availability have contributed to better living standards, health, and education infrastructure in Herat Province.
• India–Afghanistan Cooperation: The project has strengthened bilateral ties and reinforced India’s role as a trusted development partner in Afghanistan.

Challenges During Implementation

The construction of the Salma Dam faced numerous challenges due to Afghanistan’s unstable security environment and logistical difficulties:

• Security Threats: Frequent attacks by insurgent groups and hostile elements endangered project personnel and delayed construction activities.
• Difficult Terrain and Logistics: The remote location and rugged terrain complicated transportation of construction materials and machinery.
• Political Instability: Regime changes and administrative disruptions required repeated renegotiations and revisions in project management.
• Environmental and Climatic Constraints: Harsh climatic conditions, particularly freezing winters and dry summers, posed additional technical challenges.

Despite these obstacles, the project was successfully completed through strong cooperation between Indian engineers, Afghan authorities, and local communities.

Strategic and Diplomatic Importance

Beyond its economic benefits, the Salma Dam holds substantial geopolitical significance:

• It serves as a symbol of India’s developmental diplomacy and long-standing friendship with Afghanistan, grounded in mutual respect and non-interference.
• The dam strengthens India’s soft power in the region by focusing on infrastructure and human development rather than military engagement.
• It enhances Afghanistan’s self-reliance in energy and water resources, reducing dependence on external aid and imports.
• The project also demonstrates India’s commitment to regional stability and peace-building through constructive investment.

Environmental Impact

While the Salma Dam contributes significantly to water resource management, it also necessitated careful environmental planning. The project helps regulate river flow, reducing flood risks and conserving water during dry seasons. However, like other large dams, it has altered local hydrology and displaced some communities, requiring ongoing measures for resettlement and ecological balance.

Recent Developments and Concerns

Since the political changes in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover in 2021, there have been concerns about the maintenance and operational security of the Salma Dam. Reports have occasionally indicated power disruptions and management challenges due to administrative transitions.
Nevertheless, the dam continues to function as a critical infrastructure asset, and India has expressed its continued support for preserving such developmental projects that benefit the Afghan people.

Comparison with Other Indian Projects in Afghanistan

The Salma Dam is part of India’s broader portfolio of development assistance in Afghanistan, which includes:

• The Zaranj–Delaram Highway, improving connectivity to Iran.
• The Afghan Parliament Building in Kabul, inaugurated in 2015.
• Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Kabul.
• Numerous community development projects across Afghan provinces.