Experts are sounding the alarm over the increasing number of sinkholes in Turkey’s Konya Plain, with over 2,600 sinkholes threatening agriculture and residential areas. The surge in sinkholes is primarily driven by drought and excessive water use, with the most affected districts including Cihanbeyli, Yunak, Kulu, Sarayonu, and Kadinhani. These areas are known for their high cereal production, making the sinkholes a major threat to the country’s food supply.
Authorities such as the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and the Sinkhole Application Research Center at Konya Technical University are closely monitoring the situation and seeking preventive measures. The sinkholes are now advancing towards more critical locations, including populated regions, energy investment areas, and places with high agricultural activity.
Experts point out that while sinkholes are a natural occurrence, human activities such as excessive water use are contributing to their increasing numbers. The situation in Konya Plain highlights the need for sustainable water management practices to prevent further sinkhole formation and protect agricultural and residential areas.
The government and local authorities are urged to take immediate action to address the sinkhole problem and protect Turkey’s “granary”, the Konya Plain, from further devastation. Efforts to bolster water conservation practices and monitor underground water use will be crucial in mitigating the threat of sinkholes in the region.
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