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 :
- Amin, K. (2024, November 12). Kabul’s water crisis: Uncertainty surrounds Taliban’s agenda at UN climate conference. Hasht-e Subh. Retrieved from https://8am.media/eng/kabuls-water-crisis-uncertainty-surrounds-talibans-agenda-at-un-climate-conference/
- 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
- Kakar, F., Ahmad, F., & Stucki, V. (2013). Water resources management in Afghanistan: The issues and options. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 15(4), 927-950. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10669-013-9455-4
- Reshteen, S., Rahmatzai, A., & Safi, A. G. (2024). Urban water crisis in Kabul city: Key challenges and solutions. Journal of Natural Science Review, 2(3), 138–150. Retrieved from https://kujnsr.com
- SWN News. (2024, March). Groundwater level in Kabul drops 15 meters in past 5 years. Retrieved from https://swn.af/en/2024/03/groundwater-level-in-kabul-drops-15-meters-in-past-5-years/
- AZoCleantech. (n.d.). Water resource challenges in Afghanistan: A growing concern. Retrieved from https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1479
- City Facts. (n.d.). Kabul population. Retrieved from https://www.city-facts.com/kabul/population
- Concern Worldwide. (n.d.). Water scarcity: Solutions that work. Retrieved from https://www.concern.net/news/water-scarcity-solutions-that-work
- Fiveable. (n.d.). Crisis management cycle. Fiveable Library. Retrieved from https://library.fiveable.me/key-terms/crisis-management/crisis-management-cycle
- International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). (n.d.). Urban resilience in Afghanistan: A focus on water security. Retrieved from https://lib.icimod.org/record/34820?utm_source
- MEIG. (2024). Highlight #28/2024: The role of governance underlined during climate crisis challenges unfolding in Afghanistan. Retrieved from https://www.meig.ch/highlight-28-2024-the-role-of-governance-underlined-during-climate-crisis-challenges-unfolding-in-afghanistan/?utm
- United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. (n.d.). Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction. Retrieved from https://www.undrr.org/media/83543/download?startDownload=20241124
- United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. (n.d.). Prevention. UNDRR Terminology. Retrieved from https://www.undrr.org/terminology/prevention
- United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. (n.d.). Preparedness. UNDRR Terminology. Retrieved from https://www.undrr.org/terminology/preparedness
- United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. (n.d.). Response. UNDRR Terminology. Retrieved from https://www.undrr.org/terminology/response
- United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. (n.d.). Recovery. UNDRR Terminology. Retrieved from https://www.undrr.org/terminology/recovery
- Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Rainwater harvesting: Agriculture. In Wikipedia. Retrieved November 25, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainwater_harvesting#Agriculture
18.World Population Review. (2024). Kabul population 2024. Retrieved from https://worldpopulationreview.com/cities/afghanistan/kabul
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.