The dam was part of new development initiatives unveiled by India last November. India is also taking up 150 community projects worth $80 million in Afghanistan, part of measures to take development to small communities through schemes that have a direct impact on the lives of the people. Also Read | Pakistani Taliban reunified splinter groups in Afghanistan, poses threat: UNShahtoot Dam will provide drinking water to two million residents of Kabul city and also feed irrigation projects. While announcing India’s commitment to build the dam last November, external affairs minister S Jaishankar told a virtual international pledging conference that India is committed to a long-term role for the development of Afghanistan. India has so far completed more than 400 projects across all 34 provinces of Afghanistan.

Source: Hindustan Times February 09, 2021 06:40 UTC