Iraqi lawmaker calls for increased water releases to Maysan amid fish and livestock deaths

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A member of Iraq's parliament from the National Approach Bloc urged the Ministry of Water Resources on Tuesday to increase water releases to Maysan province, warning that shortages are killing fish and livestock and damaging local livelihoods. Lawmaker Puzha al-Sadhan told a press conference at the parliament building that tons of fish and animals have died in the province, where fishing and animal husbandry form the basis of the local economy. Al-Sadhan said river pollution has risen because of insufficient water releases, leaving residents to contend with increasingly difficult conditions. He warned that fish and animal deaths would continue if the shortages persist. The lawmaker called on the ministry to step up water discharges and take steps to prevent further environmental and economic damage in Maysan. No immediate response from the ministry was reported.