Turkey: The Konya region, located in the inside part of Turkey, is facing a serious and frightening natural problem these days. In the last few years, increasingly than 700 sinkholes, i.e., huge pits, have been worked here, which have destroyed the fertile fields. At many places the ground suddenly caved in, due to which the untried fields turned into deep pits in no time. This mysterious incident has not only taken yonder the livelihood of the farmers but has moreover created an undercurrent of fear in the unshortened area.
Why is the ground sinking suddenly?
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 tabbed 'Karst' structures. Over time when underground water dissolves these rocks, a hollow space is worked below. When the water supporting these hollows subsides, the ground whilom suddenly collapses and large craters are formed.
Nearly 700 sinkholes have appeared in parts of Turkey, with new ones showing up, fueled by lattermost drought. pic.twitter.com/AaSdD3YNap
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) December 12, 2025Indiscriminate extraction of groundwater increases danger
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 lanugo considerably. As the water level under the ground decreased, the wastefulness of soil and rocks unfurled to deteriorate.
Drought and climate change
In this part of Turkey, rainfall has been much less than normal for the last several years. Drought conditions remoter lowered the once weak water level. Rising temperature and waffly weather are moreover making this problem increasingly serious. Experts are warning that if the impact of climate transpiration continues to increase like this, then incidents of sinkholes may increase further.
Double wrack-up for farmers
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 unchangingly wrung that the next pit might unshut under their fields or houses.
What are the government and scientists doing?
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 stuff done. Experts are recommending that only strict tenancy on water use, sustainable farming methods, and largest water management can reduce this threat.
Big warning of future
This problem of sinkholes is not limited to Turkey only. This is a warning to the unshortened world that if natural resources protract 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.
