Afghanistan Peace CampaignGroundwater can be recharged, but more is drawn each year than is replenished in Kabul, with an estimated annual 76-million-cubic-meter deficit, experts say.
The Japan Times, in a report titled “Afghan capital losing race against water shortages,” stated that the situation in Kabul is clearly deteriorating.
The report, citing information and perspectives from several experts, mentioned that if no action is taken regarding Kabul’s groundwater, there will be no groundwater left in Kabul by 2030. It said that population growth has outstripped urban planning, and climate change drives below-average precipitation.
Referring to an international organization’s report, Japan Times notes that up to 80% of Kabul’s groundwater is contaminated and more than 100,000 unregulated wells extract water in the city, which are frequently drilled deeper.
Groundwater can be recharged, but more is drawn each year than is replenished in Kabul, with an estimated annual 76-million-cubic-meter deficit, experts say, according to the report.
The report also refers to the Islamic Emirate’s Ministry of Energy and Water’s plan to transfer water from the Panjshir River, stating that the project requires a budget of $300 to $400 million.