Underground Water Crisis Management in Kabul


Authors : Ali Jan Rasikh

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 12 - December

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/29f6sswc

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/z7734s9a

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14576701

Abstract : This paper analyzes the underground water crisis in Kabul, Afghanistan, exacerbated by climate change, urbanization, and inadequate water management infrastructure which has been intensified by the depletion of groundwater, unregulated urban growth, and reduced precipitation. The study applies the crisis management cycle—prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery to propose sustainable strategies for mitigating the crisis. Prevention strategies include public awareness campaigns on water conservation and rainwater harvesting, along with sustainable water management practices such as efficient irrigation systems and surface water storage. Preparedness focuses on developing early warning systems and community training programs to enhance resilience. The response phase emphasizes immediate measures to provide clean water, protect existing sources, and improve water efficiency. Recovery efforts prioritize the development of a national-level framework for sustainable water resource management, pre-disaster planning, and post-disaster assessment processes to build resilience and "build back better." By leveraging a combination of technical interventions, policy frameworks, and community engagement, this paper aims to provide a roadmap for addressing Kabul's water crisis while ensuring alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The research draws on qualitative analysis of existing literature, seeking to foster academic and practical discourse on sustainable water management in crisis-affected regions.

Keywords : Underground Water Crisis, Prevention, Preparedness, Respond, Recovery.

References :

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  2. Ehsan, K. (2023, July 12). Desperate and thirsty: Kabul’s worsening water crisis. Kabul Now. Retrieved from file:///C:/Users/PREMIER%20COMPUTER/Downloads/Desperate%20and%20Thirsty_%20Kabul's%20Worsening%20Water%20Crisis%20_%20Special%20Report.html
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This paper analyzes the underground water crisis in Kabul, Afghanistan, exacerbated by climate change, urbanization, and inadequate water management infrastructure which has been intensified by the depletion of groundwater, unregulated urban growth, and reduced precipitation. The study applies the crisis management cycle—prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery to propose sustainable strategies for mitigating the crisis. Prevention strategies include public awareness campaigns on water conservation and rainwater harvesting, along with sustainable water management practices such as efficient irrigation systems and surface water storage. Preparedness focuses on developing early warning systems and community training programs to enhance resilience. The response phase emphasizes immediate measures to provide clean water, protect existing sources, and improve water efficiency. Recovery efforts prioritize the development of a national-level framework for sustainable water resource management, pre-disaster planning, and post-disaster assessment processes to build resilience and "build back better." By leveraging a combination of technical interventions, policy frameworks, and community engagement, this paper aims to provide a roadmap for addressing Kabul's water crisis while ensuring alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The research draws on qualitative analysis of existing literature, seeking to foster academic and practical discourse on sustainable water management in crisis-affected regions.

Keywords : Underground Water Crisis, Prevention, Preparedness, Respond, Recovery.

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