Apr 14 2010 |
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Oman project aims to save ancient irrigation systems
Wednesday, Apr 14, 2010
Gulf News
Muscat Oman's authorities have launched an ambitious protection programme targeting several hundred aflaj — ancient irrigation systems that form a key part of the sultanate's rich heritage.
Around 170 contracts have been awarded since the start of the year for the protection of aflaj and natural springs across the sultanate, according to a senior official of the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources.
Oman has an estimated 3,000 aflaj systems, comprising networks of underground channels, raised aqueducts, inverted siphons and surface channels that distribute water often over rocky terrain.
According to Saif Bin Sulaiman Al Amri, Director of the Aflaj Department, cave-ins within the underground channels are a perennial problem that leads to blockages and eventually the death of the aflaj system. Unrestrained exploitation of groundwater by bore-wells that tap the same aquifers is also a problem that will be tackled as part of the current campaign, he added.
In 2006, Unesco designated five of the sultanate's most important aflaj as World Heritage Sites. They were: Falaj Al Khatmeen in Birkat Al Mauz, Falaj Malki in Izki, Falaj Daris in Nizwa, Falaj Al Jeela in Sur and Falaj Al Muyasser in Rustaq.
heritage
liquid assets
3,000
aflaj systems estimated across the country
2,000
year-old irrigation systems
Staff Report
© Gulf News 2010. All rights reserved.
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