Determining Suitable Sites for Surface Water Harvesting and Dam Construction in Halabja Province Using the (AHP) Method

Abstract

  Abstract:

This research was conducted to identify suitable sites for surface water harvesting and the construction of ponds and dams in Halabja Province, in response to the issue of water scarcity and the necessity for water resource management in the province. The main problem addressed by the study is the lack of a comprehensive and scientific analysis for determining these sites, which leads to reduced effectiveness of water projects.

The research hypothesis is based on the premise that utilizing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in conjunction with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has significant potential for scientifically identifying these locations. The importance of this research lies in its findings serving as a guide for decision-makers and planners in the water sector, aiming for more efficient resource utilization and maximizing benefits.

The research methodology involves integrating GIS and AHP to analyze influential natural and human factors such as geological structure, precipitation, slope, soil, and land use.

The most important findings of the study indicate that the majority of the province's area (82.07%) has been classified as "suitable" for dam construction, and a significant area (5.68%) has been identified as "very suitable/ideal," possessing the highest level of suitability.

The key recommendations of the study include conducting thorough research and allocating budgets for the areas classified as "very suitable/ideal" for the construction of large strategic pond and dam projects. Additionally, a comprehensive plan should be developed for water resource management in the "suitable" areas for building small to medium-sized ponds and dams.