Kabul's Water Crisis: An Urgent Call for Action

Several residents of Kabul's District 4 are raising the alarm over a dramatic decline in groundwater levels, citing significant impacts on their families and daily routines. As reported by Tolo News, residents are calling on Afghanistan's Islamic Emirate for swift intervention to tackle the growing water crisis.

"We face numerous water-related issues. We've resided here for two decades, and constantly need to dig new wells," explained Shahpoor, a District 4 resident. Abdul Rashid, another local, urged the authorities for assistance, stating, "We appeal to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to aid us in securing water supplies. Our water resources are being diverted to Pakistan and Iran; pipelines from the Panjshir and Salang rivers are necessary."

According to Tolo News, many endure long waits to gather minimal water supplies. "We wait hours to collect just a few barrels. It's incredibly challenging," shared Mehran, another resident. Experts warn the water crisis threatens economic, social, and environmental stability. "Reduced access to water impacts the economy, causing displacement and migration around Herat and beyond," said Najibullah Sadid, a water resources expert, reported by Tolo News.

The Ministry of Energy and Water pinpoints climate change and erratic urban growth as root causes of declining groundwater levels. "Climate changes affecting nations worldwide have hit Afghanistan hardest with droughts and diminished rainfall. In cities, unplanned urban development aggravates water scarcity," stated ministry spokesperson Matiullah Abid. Reports from Tolo News highlight that Afghanistan faces historic drought levels, particularly affecting Kabul and other major cities.