Effects of water shortage in Kabul River network on the plain areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Kabul River is a shared resource of Pakistan and Afghanistan and is a major source of economy for both countries. It is used for irrigation, power generation, fishery, hunting, and recreation. This study explored human-induced impact on Kabul River and its associated wetlands. For an in-depth study, the area situated between the two tributaries of Kabul River, i.e., Shalam and Naguman Rivers, was selected. The focus of the study was to find out reduction in the wetland areas, its causes, and associated impacts. For this purpose, a survey was conducted in 10 villages selected randomly in 10 union councils. The study revealed that anthropogenic activities, such as wetland farming, grazing residential encroachment, and industrial development, have caused severe alteration in the wetland of the study areas. The results revealed that before the 1990s, 33.55% area of the study area was wetland. Due to regular decrease in the flow of the Kabul River System and human encroachment, it has engulfed 68.40% of the total wetland leaving behind only 10.60% wetland. This can be termed as a big ecological disturbance. In the long run, this will have negative effects on both the countries. It is therefore recommended to give proper attention to this important wetland, positioning between Shalam and Naguman Rivers and to conserve it. One of the solutions is to regulate the natural flow of Kabul River.

Environmental sustainability of grey water footprints in Peshawar Basin: Current and future reduced flow scenarios for Kabul River

“…Nafees et al [69] reported that 68% of wetlands in Peshawar Basin has been converted to agricultural fields due to low flow in Kabul River. This study showed that high P-related pollution in river over last 30 years lead to eutrophication of wetlands [70] in the basin, and the local community convert these dry lands to agriculture fields that further increases pollution by escalating application of fertilizers.…”

Reconnaissance Survey of Organic Contaminants of Emerging Concern in the Kabul and Swat Rivers of Pakistan

“…The Kabul River originates in Afghanistan and enters the territory of Pakistan through the Khyber District. The Kabul River, part of the greater Indus River watershed, is the chief source of water for aquaculture and agricultural irrigation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (Nafees et al, 2018). The Swat River, a major tributary of the Kabul River, is particularly critical for sustaining river‐based tourism, irrigated agriculture, hydropower, fisheries, and fishing communities; however, it also receives pollution from industries, agriculture, and domestic sources (Mohammad, 2018; Saving river Swat from growing pollution, 2007).…”

“…For example, limited access to clean water has contributed to human health concerns and economic challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in northwestern Pakistan (Fida et al, 2022; Miletto et al, 2021). In particular, poor water quality has been cited as a contributing factor to regional fish declines in the Swat and Kabul rivers, which are essential water sources to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (M. Ahmad et al, 2010; Hayat Khattak et al, 2015; Ishaq et al, 2014; Nafees et al, 2018; Yousafzai et al, 2015). These fish declines have been linked to adverse impacts to the livelihoods and businesses of locals (Mohammad et al, 2011; Nixon, Ma, Zanotti, et al, 2022).…”

The Role of Large Dams in a Transboundary Drought Management Co-Operation Framework—Case Study of the Kabul River Basin

“…Approximately 2.3% of the total KRB area is covered by glaciers [1]. The average annual precipitation in the KRB ranges from 200 mm in the lower elevation to 3000 mm in the HKH mountains [22,23]. Regions of Peshawar, Nowshera, and Charsaddah in Pakistan are mainly irrigated with Kabul River water on 80.0%, 47.4%, and 84.7% of its total irrigated land, respectively [14].…”