Water crisis is increasing in Kabul
Kabul, once called the spirit of Afghanistan, is struggling with the biggest crisis of its existence today. This historic city, situated among the hills of Hindukush, has been identified not only as the capital of Afghanistan, but also as a cultural and economic center. But now this Kabul is on the verge of becoming the first such big city in the world, where the water can be completely finished by 2030. It has been warned in the report of Nonproft Merce Cops.
According to a recent report, in the last decade, the ground water level of Kabul has fallen by 25 to 30 meters. Every year, the water is being drained from the ground, 4.4 million cubic meters more withdrawn. That is, water is being exploited faster than the natural compensation of the water level.
What are the reasons behind the water crisis?
Years of struggle stopped investment in modern water system in Kabul. The result is that the water of the land is ending rapidly and what is left has also become poisonous. According to UNICEF report, more than half of the borewells in Kabul have dried up and about 80 percent ground water has been contaminated. If this situation prevails, by 2030, the water sources under the ground here will be completely eliminated.
1. Climate change: The biggest reason for the water crisis is the changing weather cycle. Snowfall has been decreasing in Afghanistan for the last few years, snow is melting prematurely and drought incidents are happening frequently. 2023 received 40-50% less rainfall than normal, which did not give ground water a chance to recharge.
2. Administrative Failure: Basic works such as water management, pipeline repair, and rainwater collection were constantly ignored. The government’s failure has made the water crisis deepened. The project, which has brought water from the Panjshir River costing $ 170 million, has been stuck on paper only for years.
3. Rapid growing population: In 2001, where the population of Kabul was 10 lakhs, now it has crossed 60 lakhs. Millions of people settled in Kabul due to war, internal displacement and unstable governance. As a result, limited water resources were heavy burden.
Who increased trouble?
More than 500 bottled water and soft drink companies are working in Kabul, which are indiscriminately exploiting ground water. Only Alokose company is extracting 1 billion liters of water every year. Apart from this, the greenhouse spread over 400 hectares is consuming about 4 billion liters of water annually.
Now what will happen if nothing is done?
If the international community and the Afghan government do not take any concrete steps soon, the situation will worsen. It is estimated that about 3 million people can be displaced from Kabul. This crisis will not only be limited to the capital, but can also spread to other parts of the country. Especially in the northern, northwest and north-eastern provinces, drought is spreading rapidly. Crops are being ruined here, and livestock is dying. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the livelihood of millions of people dependent on farming and animal husbandry is in danger.
What is a ray of hope?
The plan to bring water from Panjshir river to Kabul is definitely a ray of hope. Its design is ready by the end of 2024 and the government is looking for investors for this. If it gets timely approval and funding, then about 20 lakh people will get clean water.
