A Desert Transformed by Human Ingenuity
The concept of an artificial river meandering through a desert landscape may seem like a far-fetched idea, but in Egypt’s Western Desert, this vision is turning into a tangible reality. The Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation is spearheading an ambitious project to construct what is poised to be the world’s largest man-made river. This monumental endeavor will stretch over 114 kilometers and play a crucial role in supporting the New Delta project’s agricultural areas.
New Delta: A Landmark Agricultural Initiative
The New Delta project, encompassing over 2.2 million feddans (approximately 9,240 square kilometers), stands as the most expansive agricultural project in Egypt’s history. The artificial river is designed to channel a mix of groundwater, agricultural runoff, and drainage water. This water will undergo treatment at the Al-Hammam Agricultural Wastewater Treatment Plant, generating close to 10 million cubic meters of usable water. The river’s infrastructure includes 22 kilometers of subterranean pipelines coupled with a 92-kilometer open channel.
Boosting Food and Water Security
Once operational, this project is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing both food and water security in Egypt. The nation, as per UNICEF reports, faces an annual shortfall of approximately seven billion cubic meters of water. Alarmingly, predictions suggest that Egypt could confront a critical water scarcity by 2025.
Strategic Measures for Resource Management
In response to these challenges, the Egyptian government is proactively managing water resources. This includes rationing water usage, desalinating seawater, purifying local lakes, and launching large-scale national projects. These projects focus on lining water channels and transitioning to contemporary irrigation systems. Additionally, the National Water Resources Plan 2037 is being rolled out to optimize the utilization of Egypt’s water resources.
Promoting Agricultural Sustainability and Food Security
The Egyptian government’s recent initiatives extend beyond water conservation. Efforts are also concentrated on bolstering food security through the reclamation of agricultural lands and the establishment of wheat silos. These measures aim to boost local wheat production, further underlining the country’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and food security.