KABUL (SW) – Officials in Kabul expressed concern about a significant decrease in the groundwater levels in the city. They stated that over the past five years, the groundwater level in Kabul city has decreased by 15 meters.
Asadullah Rahmatzai, Head of the Geology Department at Kabul University, has called on relevant authorities to manage groundwater resources in the capital. “From 2019 to 2023, the groundwater level in Kabul city has decreased by 15 meters due to reckless water usage,” he said.
A program titled “Water is a National Asset and Its Protection Relates Everyone” was held on Monday, at Kabul University to commemorate World Water Day.
Meanwhile, Jawhar ad Safi, Head of the Agriculture Department at Kabul University, emphasizes the need to prevent reckless water consumption in the city. He says that relevant authorities must conduct awareness programs for farmers.
He adds, “Animals and plants require a considerable amount of water, but farmers are often unaware of the specific water needs of their livestock and crops. They mistakenly believe that more water is always beneficial, which is not the case. Therefore, it is essential for relevant organizations to organize educational programs for them.”
Mohammad Nasim Moradi, Head of the Meteorology Department at the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation, identifies climate changes as one of the prominent factors contributing to the reduction of groundwater levels in the capital. He urges the de-facto government to take effective measures to prevent water scarcity.
Moradi says, “The country’s water resources need to be managed, and deep well-drilling should be prevented. Additionally, industrial companies should be relocated outside Kabul city, and awareness campaigns must be conducted.”
In the program, officials at the Ministry of Energy and Water also said that both surface and groundwater resources in the country are decreasing every year compared to the previous year.
Azizurahman Aziz, a representative from the ministry, says: “Implementing restrictions on reckless use of groundwater, constructing check dams, recharging groundwater, and protecting groundwater are among the important plans of this ministry.”
This comes as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) announced two days ago, on occasion of World Water Day, that nearly 79% of Afghanistan’s population lacks adequate access to water.
March 22nd was named as “World Water Day” by the United Nations to raise awareness about the importance of water.
