Sinkholes Threaten Turkey’s Farmland as Water Shortages Worsen

Post by : Saif Nasser

Central Turkey is witnessing a growing environmental concern as hundreds of sinkholes have emerged across the region, driven by declining rainfall and receding groundwater levels. The sinkholes are appearing in areas that produce key crops like maize, wheat, and sugar beet, raising alarms about land stability and long-term sustainability.

In Konya province’s Karapinar district, some areas now have more than ten sinkholes within a single field. In mountainous zones, large, ancient sinkholes that once held water are now mostly dry. Geologists monitoring the area warn that the situation is worsening and reflects broader climate change impacts.

Fetullah Arik, a geology professor at Konya Technical University, explained that the pace of sinkhole formation has increased significantly in recent years. “The main reason is climate change and prolonged drought, which have affected global water resources since the 2000s. Groundwater levels are dropping by 4 to 5 meters per year now, compared to just half a meter per year two decades ago,” he said.

The depletion of groundwater has accelerated due to the increasing number of wells, many of them unlicensed, tapping into the underground water supply. The Konya basin, one of Turkey’s key agricultural regions, now has approximately 120,000 unlicensed wells, far outnumbering the 40,000 officially licensed wells.

While the sinkholes have not caused fatalities, their unpredictable formation presents a significant risk to infrastructure, property, and safety. Recent surveys in Karapinar identified additional areas at risk, though experts cannot predict exactly when new sinkholes will appear.

Without urgent measures to manage groundwater use and address the impact of climate change, the region is likely to see more sinkholes, putting land, settlements, and regional stability at risk. Experts emphasize that coordinated action is essential to prevent further environmental degradation and maintain the long-term viability of central Turkey’s landscapes.