Al Sharqiyah South embarks on major Falaj rehabilitation
Published: 04:09 PM,Sep 17,2024 | EDITED : 08:09 PM,Sep 17,2024
Falajs, used for centuries by Omanis to irrigate crops, are of immense importance to the country’s agricultural heritage
Muscat: The General Directorate of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries, and Water Resources in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate is planning significant projects to rehabilitate and maintain 65 ‘falaj’ (Oman’s ancient irrigation system) across the villages and wilayats of the governorate.
In alignment with the Ministry's 2024 plan, 49 agreements have been signed with contractors to restore falajs damaged by the Al Wabel and Al Mutair depressions. These initiatives aim to ensure the sustainability of falaj systems, a vital water source deeply rooted in Oman’s historical irrigation practices.
Falajs, used for centuries by Omanis to irrigate crops, are of immense importance to the country’s agricultural heritage. Salah bin Salim al Mahjari, Head of the Dams, Falajs, and Protective Walls Department, highlighted that the rehabilitation efforts encompass various types of falajs—Al Adi, Al Aini, and Al Ghaili.
The work involves creating new channels, both surface and underground, with depths ranging from 3 to 25 metres, built to endure varying conditions. The designs ensure the smooth flow of water from the falaj's source to the distribution areas.
So far, maintenance has been completed on 19 falajs, and work is progressing on the others. Some of the key falajs under restoration include Al Badawi, Abu Talqa, and Al Maqsum in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate.
Notable falajs being maintained are, Al Badawi, Abu Talqa, and Al Maqsum, six falajs in Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, such as Falaj Al Dhaher and Falaj Al Zuwaid, six falajs in Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, such as Falaj Al Souqiyah and Falaj Ain and five falajs in Al Kamil W'al Wafi, including Falaj Sabt and Falaj Al Batin.
The rehabilitation includes clearing debris, reinforcing channels, rebuilding damaged sections, maintaining collection basins, and constructing protective walls.
This extensive project underscores the ministry's commitment to preserving Oman’s falaj systems, ensuring their longevity, and bolstering the country’s water security.
In alignment with the Ministry's 2024 plan, 49 agreements have been signed with contractors to restore falajs damaged by the Al Wabel and Al Mutair depressions. These initiatives aim to ensure the sustainability of falaj systems, a vital water source deeply rooted in Oman’s historical irrigation practices.
Falajs, used for centuries by Omanis to irrigate crops, are of immense importance to the country’s agricultural heritage. Salah bin Salim al Mahjari, Head of the Dams, Falajs, and Protective Walls Department, highlighted that the rehabilitation efforts encompass various types of falajs—Al Adi, Al Aini, and Al Ghaili.
The work involves creating new channels, both surface and underground, with depths ranging from 3 to 25 metres, built to endure varying conditions. The designs ensure the smooth flow of water from the falaj's source to the distribution areas.
So far, maintenance has been completed on 19 falajs, and work is progressing on the others. Some of the key falajs under restoration include Al Badawi, Abu Talqa, and Al Maqsum in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate.
Notable falajs being maintained are, Al Badawi, Abu Talqa, and Al Maqsum, six falajs in Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, such as Falaj Al Dhaher and Falaj Al Zuwaid, six falajs in Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, such as Falaj Al Souqiyah and Falaj Ain and five falajs in Al Kamil W'al Wafi, including Falaj Sabt and Falaj Al Batin.
The rehabilitation includes clearing debris, reinforcing channels, rebuilding damaged sections, maintaining collection basins, and constructing protective walls.
This extensive project underscores the ministry's commitment to preserving Oman’s falaj systems, ensuring their longevity, and bolstering the country’s water security.