The Pyanj River, originates in the Pamir Highlands running along the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan form East to West, to finally drain in the Aral sea. During the Soviet Union era, dikes were constructed to prevent damages from the floods caused by the melting of the glaciers and snow accumulated in the highlands. But since Tajikistan turned in to an independent country in 1992, an insufficient maintenance of the dikes and frequent floods in the area, had damaged the flood prevention and mitigation capabilities in the area.

A flood occurred in July of 2005, destroyed nearly 240 ha of cultivated areas, 5 Km of roads, 3.5 Km of dikes structures, damaged the water supply in 3 districts and affecting a total area of 4000 ha, and causing loses in the amount of 50 million USD.

In order to prevent another disaster of this magnitude, the Government of Tajikistan requested assistance to the Government of Japan for elaboration of studies for flood prevention. CTII was selected to conduct the studies.

The objectives for this study were, to elaborate a flood mitigation plan and disaster prevention strategies; implement pilot projects; and carry out technical transfer to the local staff.