Dahla Dam, a main irrigation source for surrounding areas in Kandahar, continues to remain under Taliban control for the past month.

The Dahla Dam is one of the main water sources providing water to agricultural land in seven districts in the province. But the Taliban's control of the dam has deprived farmers of irrigation water.

Farmers in Kandahar said their gardens and agricultural lands will be devastated if swift action is not taken to continue the flow of water.

The Taliban said that irrigation experts are allowed to come and regulate the water distribution from the dam to the farmers' fields. But the Afghan government has said that it plans to launch an operation to clear the area from Taliban control.

Lands in Arghandab, Shah Wali Kot, Zhari, Maiwand, Panjwayi, Daman and Dand districts are dependent on the water that flows from the Dahla Dam. 

“Water is the blessing of God and we are Muslims, why is the government closing the dam, why are they destroying the country?" asked Hairan, a farmer in Kandahar.

“It is now the season of growth of pomegranates, if water does not come, they will be affected,” said Kandahar farmer Abdul Raziq.

“The operation moves forward in a good way, our forces will soon get their objectives,” said Ghorzang Afridi, the head of the security department at Kandahar police headquarters.

“It's natural for the enemy to destroy the things that are in the interest of the people, but our security forces are defending them with full dignity and courage,” said Abdul Matin Hussainkhel, the commander of 205 Shaheen Army Corps.