SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA PROJECT (GAP) IN TURKEY, IT’S EFFECT OF TIGRIS & EUPHRATES BASINS IN IRAQ
Mahmoud Izzat Mahmoud
mahmoud.izzat@cihanuniversity.edu.iq
Abstract- "The GAP Project is a multi-sector integrated regional development project based on sustainable development for the 9 million people living in the Southeastern Turkey. GAP's basic aim is living standards and to contribute to the national development targets of social stability and economic growth by enhancing the productive and employment generating capacity of the rural sector. The total cost of the project is over $ 32 billion. The project area covers nine provinces which are located in the basins of the Euphrates and Tigris and in Upper Mesopotamia. Current activities under GAP include sectors like agriculture and irrigation, hydroelectric power production, urban and rural infrastructure, education and health. Water resources development includes the construction of 22 dams and 19 power plants and irrigation schemes on an area extending over 17,000 square kilometres. Iraq greatly relies in its water resources on the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Recently, Iraq is suffering from water shortage problems. This is due to the GAP. The supply and demand are predicted to be 43 and 66.8 Billion Cubic Meters (BCM) respectively in 2015, while in 2025 it will be 17.61 and 46 BCM respectively. In addition, future prediction suggests that Tigris and Euphrates Rivers will be completely dry in 2040. To overcome this problem, Strategic Water Management adopted, development of irrigation techniques, reduction of water losses, use of non-conventional water resources.
Keywords- GAP project, Water Crises, Sustainable developments
Date: 09/12/2020
Place: Department of Civil Engineering