Turkey postpones filling upstream dam on Tigris to July 1

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s Minister of Water Resources says Turkey has postponed filling an upstream reservoir on the Tigris River to July 1.

During a press conference on Thursday, Hassan al-Janabi says meetings will continue between the two countries on how to ensure enough water flows to Iraq during and after the filling of the reservoir behind the Ilisu dam.

On Wednesday, Turkish Forestry and Waterworks Minister Veysel Eroglu was quoted by the state-run Anadolu Agency as saying the decision was due to the holy month of Ramadan.

Water levels of the Tigris have decreased significantly since June 1, spreading panic among Iraqis who in some places were able to cross the riverbed on foot. Dams built in neighbouring Iran on its tributaries to the Tigris have also contributed to low water levels.