tolonews135d ago
Herat Digs Over 80,000 Absorption Wells to Boost GroundwaterHayatullah.RahimiMon, 01/26/2026 - 05:05 Author Nasir Ahmad Salehi Profile Photo Author Short Bio Nasir Ahmad Salehi reports on security, politics, economy and social stories for TOLOnews. Author Job TOLOnews Reporter Afghanistan Local officials in Herat say that more than 80,000 wells have recently been dug to absorb rainwater, collect snowmelt, and raise the groundwater level.Abdullah Ahmadi, technical advisor at the Herat Water and Energy Department, said: "In the past, the digging of deep wells was limited; but recently, it has increased. Water absorption wells have been dug in marketplaces, bathhouses, car wash areas, industrial parks, government offices, universities, schools, and mosques. This process continues daily and is monitored by our technical staff."In Herat city, most of the well-digging costs have been covered by the local fruit vendors’ association.Abdul Ahad Rahmani, head of the fruit vendors' association in Herat, said that 21 absorption wells have been dug in a 16,000 square meter area near the city center, each 15 meters deep. He added that these wells have high capacity and they hope this effort will help prevent water waste.Another Herat resident, Abdul Azim Karimi, said: “We have dug 12 wells, one of which is the main well. When water enters the main well, it is filtered and then flows through pipes into smaller absorption wells.”Ghulam Farooq Sultani, another resident, stated: “Rainwater that flows into canals, streams, or rivers often goes unused. But if it enters absorption wells, it joins the groundwater and can be reused.”Experts consider these wells vital for strengthening groundwater levels.According to environmental experts, these wells play an important role in water absorption after rainfall and snowfall in Herat.Jasem Aslami, an environmental expert, said: “The use of groundwater has increased significantly. We must make use of rainwater and try to absorb it into the ground by all possible means. Absorption wells, both inside and outside the city, can serve as a source of recharge for groundwater on a local and environmental level.”These absorption wells are being dug at a time when, in recent years, Herat has faced a severe and ongoing drought that has drastically lowered groundwater levels.