Ancient Karez System in Afghanistan: the Perspective of Construction and Maintenance

Abstract

Ancient Karez has a history of millennium. Karez is underground tunnel which is constructed in ground by digging the main well of the system and extending underground tunnel in foothills of the mountains. This system extracts groundwater to surface by gravity without using any pumping equipment. Ancient Karez system is viable in hot, arid and semi-arid climate regions. These systems are one of the best ways of extracting groundwater by gravity in such poor regions. Minimum slope is vital for extracting groundwater to the surface in Karez system. In this study, the perspective of construction and maintenance of Karez system in Afghanistan is assessed. Information related to Karez construction and maintenance is provided in order to improve the quality of work during these processes. The Karez system cannot be used effectively if construction and maintenance processes are not carried out properly. This will affect agricultural productions, water supply and social life in the region. Some possible solutions are suggested for the mitigation of the risk of collapsing and extinction of Karez systems. Some recommendations are provided to encourage the associated organizations in Afghanistan for rehabilitation of Karez irrigation and water supply system.