Türkiye’s fertile Konya Plain, dubbed “the country’s granary,” is facing a surge in sinkholes, raising alarm for the future of agriculture, infrastructure, and local communities.
These sinkholes, which vary in size, are now threatening critical agricultural activities and creeping closer to residential areas. The latest figures reveal that more than 2,600 sinkholes have formed, primarily due to ongoing drought and the uncontrolled extraction of underground water.
The most affected districts—Cihanbeyli, Yunak, Kulu, Sarayönü, and Kadınhanı—are known for their high grain production, making the situation particularly concerning for the country’s food supply. As sinkholes advance toward more critical locations, including densely populated regions, energy investment areas, and zones of intense agricultural activity, the risk to both livelihoods and infrastructure is increasing.
The Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and the Sinkhole Application Research Center at Konya Technical University are closely monitoring the situation and working to implement preventive measures. Experts warn that while sinkholes are a natural occurrence, human activities such as excessive groundwater extraction have contributed significantly to their rise. Without immediate intervention to manage water resources sustainably, the impact on the region’s agriculture and infrastructure could be devastating.
Source: euronews/Daily Sabah
