In what appears to be a rare scene, the water of Wadi al Sareen dam recently in the form of waterfalls. This scene attracted dozens of citizens and residents.
A number of wadis feed this dam. They include Wadi al Dhabari, Wadi Jidhab, Wadi al Alimi, Wadi al Rass, Wadi al Ain, Wadi al Khayyam and Wadi al Rehab.
Few kilometres away from the dam site, there are cemeteries and old houses built of mud and stones. This is an indication of human settlement in this area for centuries.
The existence of these cemeteries and houses also confirms that man was able to interact with the elements and components of nature, and was able to adapt to its climatic conditions.
Therefore, it seems that man did not hesitate to invest the abundant amounts of water that flow from the mountaintops, as he dug water channels to be able to deliver water to remote areas. Hence Wadi al Sareen dam was born.
The dam is located near the ‘Al Sareen Nature Reserve’ which was established in 1975. This reserve is characterised by the presence of a group of biodiversity elements.
Environmental studies indicate the presence of wild animals such as the ibex, the Arabian gazelle, the wolf, the lynx, the wild cat and the mountain fox. This reserve also houses rare species of birds including: the dove, the owl, the wild pigeon, the hoopoe, and other types of birds of prey such as the Egyptian vulture, falcons and eagles.
“The construction of the dam at this site contributed to securing life for various natural resources. This dam stores water for long periods," a specialist in Biodiversity told the Observer.
“Also, the dam’s retention of this amount of water enhances the flow of water in the water channels for long periods, and thus will contribute to providing water for agricultural lands that are in dire need of water, especially at this time of the year," he added.
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY: YAHYA AL SALMANI
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