Representative picture (Image Courtesy: Wikipedia)
Turkey: The Konya region, located in the central part of Turkey, is facing a serious and frightening natural problem these days. In the last few years, more than 700 sinkholes, i.e., huge pits, have been formed here, which have destroyed the fertile fields. At many places the ground suddenly caved in, due to which the green fields turned into deep pits in no time. This mysterious incident has not only taken away the livelihood of the farmers but has also created an atmosphere of fear in the entire area.
According to experts, the geological structure of the Konya region is the main reason for this. Under the ground here there are layers of limestone, which are called 'Karst' structures. Over time when underground water dissolves these rocks, a hollow space is formed below. When the water supporting these hollows subsides, the ground above suddenly collapses and large craters are formed.
Nearly 700 sinkholes have appeared in parts of Turkey, with new ones showing up, fueled by extreme drought. pic.twitter.com/AaSdD3YNap
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) December 12, 2025
Scientists believe that the biggest reason for the rapid increase in the number of sinkholes is excessive exploitation of underground water. For farming, water was continuously extracted from tube wells and borewells, due to which the water level went down considerably. As the water level under the ground decreased, the balance of soil and rocks continued to deteriorate.
In this part of Turkey, rainfall has been much less than normal for the last several years. Drought conditions further lowered the already weak water level. Rising temperature and changing weather are also making this problem more serious. Experts are warning that if the impact of climate change continues to increase like this, then incidents of sinkholes may increase further.
The Konya region is known as the “grain bowl” of Türkiye. Wheat and other crops are grown on a large scale here. But due to sinkholes, many farmers have had to leave their lands. There are some fields where farming is now considered dangerous. Farmers say that they are always afraid that the next pit might open under their fields or houses.
The Turkish government and scientific institutions are keeping an eye on this problem. Land mapping, monitoring of groundwater level, and identification of potential sinkhole sites are being done. Experts are advising that only strict control on water use, sustainable farming methods, and better water management can reduce this threat.
This problem of sinkholes is not limited to Turkey only. This is a warning to the entire world that if natural resources continue to be used indiscriminately, its consequences can be extremely dangerous. These deep pits in the fields of Konya are a glimpse of the serious challenges to come.
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