Jawzjan gas extraction: Meeting energy needs amid environmental concerns — Pajhwok

SHIBERGHAN (Pajhwok): Natural gas extraction in northern Jawzjan province meets part of the country’s energy needs, but experts say continued extraction requires sustained attention to its potential impact on water, soil and the environment. Meanwhile, officials say technical and environmental standards are being followed. Jawzjan is one of Afghanistan’s provinces rich in natural gas resources. Officials say gas is extracted from the Khwaja Gogerdak, Yatimtaq, Jarqduq and Shakarak fields, and that the gas produced is processed and then supplied to power generation facilities, fertiliser production plants and other consumers. Expert raises concerns over environmental impacts Maiwand Arya, a gas-mining expert, told Pajhwok Afghan News that natural gas extraction, while contributing to meeting the country’s energy needs, could also have environmental consequences. He explained that gas-related activities, from exploration and drilling to extraction and transportation, could affect the environment in various ways. According to him, potential impacts of gas extraction include water and air pollution, noise and light pollution, land subsidence, climate change and loss of biodiversity. He added that water and soil resources could also be affected by activities associated with gas extraction. Arya noted that groundwater and surface-water pollution, water consumption, and soil pollution and degradation were among the impacts that needed to be considered during gas extraction. Measures to prevent pollution, protect the environment during gas extraction Akhtar…