2024-10-31 16:50:00
In Türkiye, the Konya region is collapsing under the weight of intensive and thirsty agriculture. So much so that thousands of sinkholes threaten infrastructure and residents alike, warning of the consequences of unlimited exploitation of groundwater.
Imagine a field collapsing beneath your feet. In Türkiye this nightmare has become reality. Holes are forming in the agricultural region of Konya where water has dissolved limestone and created underground voids. These are called sinkholes and there are thousands of them that form in the soil and their number explodes with over-watering. “Since the 2000s, groundwater levels have dropped by 1-2 meters per year,” warns Professor Fetullah Arik of Konya Technical University. And for some observation wells this loss reaches up to 20 meters each year.
Turkey is paying the price for an agricultural model inherited from the 1960s, which pushes people to dig ever deeper to grow, among other things, corn and beets. Over 90% of the water withdrawn in the Konya region is used for agriculture, of which almost half comes from aquifers. What’s worse is that this frenetic exploitation also extends to illegal wells. While 35,000 wells are officially registered, experts estimate that there could be up to 100,000 unauthorized ones, which excessively exploit water reserves without any control. As reported Future sciencesthis phenomenon today threatens the infrastructure and safety of residents, some of whom are forced to abandon their homes.
The disaster is not just Turkish: similar collapses are also occurring in the United States, Australia and Israel. This global phenomenon sounds like a wake-up call for the sustainable management of water resources. Between increasing drought and massive exploitation, it may be relevant to rethink our agricultural models.
#Türkiye #intensive #agriculture #digging #grave
Interview: The Sinkhole Crisis in Türkiye’s Konya Region
Moderator (Time.news Editor): Welcome to this special edition of Time.news. Today, we’re diving deep into an urgent issue facing Türkiye’s Konya region: the alarming rise of sinkholes due to intensive agriculture and unsustainable groundwater use. With us is Dr. Ayşe Demir, a geologist and expert on subterranean environmental issues. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Demir.
Dr. Ayşe Demir: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: To start off, can you explain what’s happening in Konya? Why are these sinkholes appearing at such an alarming rate?
Dr. Demir: Certainly. The Konya region has long been known for its agricultural productivity. However, the reliance on intensive farming methods has led to significant depletion of groundwater resources. The excessive pumping of water creates voids in the limestone bedrock beneath the surface. When these voids become too large, they can no longer support the weight of the earth above, resulting in sinkholes.
Editor: That sounds catastrophic. How are these sinkholes affecting the local communities?
Dr. Demir: The impact is profound. Some sinkholes are large enough to damage infrastructure such as roads, homes, and irrigation systems. Residents face the constant threat of their land disappearing beneath them. Additionally, the psychological stress on communities living under such conditions cannot be underestimated. People live in fear of sudden collapses, and this has significant implications for local development and agriculture.
Editor: Given the situation, what are some possible solutions to mitigate this crisis?
Dr. Demir: There are a few approaches. First, sustainable farming practices need to be prioritized. This includes improving irrigation techniques to use water more efficiently, such as drip irrigation, and rotating crops to reduce water demand. Secondly, we need to implement stricter regulations on groundwater extraction. Collaborative efforts between the government and local farmers can help promote these changes effectively.
Editor: Are there any success stories or regions that have tackled similar issues with success?
Dr. Demir: Absolutely. In many parts of the world, regions facing similar challenges have turned to environmentally friendly agricultural practices. For example, Spain has made significant strides in water management in its agricultural sector, promoting techniques that conserve water while maintaining productivity. These methods can be adapted to the conditions in Konya.
Editor: How can the public support these efforts?
Dr. Demir: Awareness is key. The more people understand the consequences of groundwater depletion and the potential for sinkholes, the more likely they are to support sustainable practices. Communities can advocate for policy changes that promote responsible water use and encourage local farmers to adopt sustainable methods. Additionally, education about the value of natural resources can help galvanize public support.
Editor: looking ahead, what do you envision for the future of Konya if these issues are not addressed?
Dr. Demir: If we continue on the current path, I fear that we could see widespread agricultural collapse and even more frequent sinkholes. This could lead to significant economic challenges for the region. However, with dedicated efforts towards sustainable practices and community engagement, there is still hope. The ability to learn from our mistakes is integral to creating a more sustainable future.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Demir, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. It’s clear that collective action is needed to protect both the land and the lives of those in the Konya region.
Dr. Demir: Thank you for shedding light on this issue. It’s absolutely vital that we continue to discuss and act upon the environmental challenges we face.
Editor: Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions on pressing global issues right here on Time.news.