Evaluation of the Socio-Economic Sustainability of an Underground Dam: A Case Study of the Karnaweh Shirin Underground Dam, Kalat County

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Natural Resources Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran

2 Department of Watershed Management, Natural Resources Faculty, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran

3 Department of Natural Resources Engineering, Natural Resources Faculty, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Underground dams serve as an innovative solution for water resource management in arid and border regions, playing a critical role in aquifer recharge and minimizing water loss. This study evaluates the sustainability of the Karnaweh Shirin underground dam in Kalat County, Razavi Khorasan Province, using structural analysis (MICMAC) and integrating field and documentary data. By identifying 14 indicators across three dimensions—economic (economic yield, income stability), social (community participation, equitable utilization), and environmental (water quality, biodiversity)—the complex relationships among variables were analyzed, and key drivers were identified. The results indicate that income stability, water and food security, equitable utilization, and biodiversity conservation are the primary drivers, while social conflicts and design-implementation inconsistencies pose significant challenges. This research provides an integrated framework for enhancing the sustainability of underground dams and offers a model for similar regions through recommendations such as strengthening community participation, managing conflicts, and implementing engineering improvements. The findings underscore the necessity of systemic approaches in managing water resources in arid border regions. 

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Sustainable Earth Trends

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 December 2025

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