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Key Points

Kabul is facing an unprecedented water crisis that could leave 7 million residents without water by 2030. Rapid population growth and climate change have caused groundwater levels to drop dramatically, with half of the city's deep wells already dry. Experts like Dayne Curry warn of potential mass migration and severe humanitarian challenges if urgent action is not taken. International support and sustainable water management projects are critical to preventing a catastrophic drought in the coming decade.

Key Points: Kabul Water Crisis Threatens 7 Million Residents by 2030

  • Kabul groundwater levels dropped 30 meters in past decade
  • Population growth and climate change accelerate water scarcity
  • Half of city's deep wells are already dry
  • Panjshir River pipeline could help two million residents
2 min read

Kabul faces severe water crisis, may run dry by 2030: Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps warns Kabul faces critical water shortage with groundwater levels plummeting and population explosion risking mass migration

"The absence of water means communities will be forced to leave. - Dayne Curry, Mercy Corps Afghanistan Director"

Kabul, June 9

Mercy Corps has warned of a severe water crisis in Kabul, where seven million residents risk running dry by 2030 if urgent action is not taken, Khaama Press reported.

Over the past decade, Kabul's groundwater levels have dropped by up to 30 meters due to rapid population growth and climate change, with half of the city's deep wells drying up, Khaama Press said.

Dayne Curry, Mercy Corps' Afghanistan director, emphasised the crisis, stating, "The absence of water means communities will be forced to leave. Without intervention, large-scale migration and increased hardship will follow for the people of Afghanistan," according to Khaama Press.

The report also highlights that water extraction far exceeds natural replenishment rates, threatening public health and social stability. Contamination from sewage, salinity, and arsenic has worsened access to safe drinking water for many households, Khaama Press noted.

Since 2001, Kabul's population has grown sevenfold, complicating water management amid inadequate infrastructure and governance. The Panjshir River water pipeline project could supply two million people but requires funding and support, Khaama Press added.

Water resource expert Najibullah Sadid warned, "Kabul is facing a crisis with no return path unless immediate action is taken," urging focus on sustainable projects to save the city.

Mercy Corps' alert calls for urgent international support and effective local governance to prevent a catastrophic drought in Kabul's coming decade.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is heartbreaking to read. While we have our own water challenges in India, I can't imagine a capital city running dry. Afghanistan needs international support, but also better governance. Hope our government considers humanitarian aid. Water is a basic human right. 🙏
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Priya M.
Climate change doesn't respect borders. Kabul's crisis shows what could happen to many South Asian cities if we don't act now. India should share its rainwater harvesting expertise with neighbors. We're all in this together. #WaterCrisis
A
Amit S.
Tragic situation but we must be cautious. Any Indian involvement in Afghanistan's water projects could be politicized. Better to support through UN agencies. Our own cities like Chennai and Bengaluru face water shortages too - charity begins at home.
N
Neha T.
Sevenfold population growth in 20 years! This shows how conflict displaces people to cities. While we help, the world must pressure the Taliban to create conditions for people to return to villages. Urban overcrowding is unsustainable.
V
Vikram J.
The Panjshir River project sounds promising. India has experience with inter-state water sharing - maybe our engineers could advise? Water diplomacy could build bridges in the region. Every drop counts when lives are at stake.

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