Rapid Population Growth Creates Severe Urban Problems in Jalalabad

Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar province, is facing many challenges due to rapid population growth and urban disorder. The city, which in the past was planned under old urban schemes for around 40,000 people, now has a population of about two million, and this unchecked growth has placed serious pressure on infrastructure.

According to the mayor of Jalalabad, the return of refugees from foreign countries and migration from other provinces has increased the population, and this has created an urgent need to implement detailed urban plans and approve a new comprehensive plan. He stressed that the urban plans drawn up during the era of Daoud Khan have not been implemented so far, and that efforts are under way to put in place new plans aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving the city’s structure.

Meanwhile, demolition work has begun on some residential houses and commercial shops that are obstructing the implementation of the detailed plan. However, the owners of these properties have complained about damage to their businesses and are calling for compensation and support to restart their economic activities.

Residents of Jalalabad have also raised issues including increased population density, a shortage of parking spaces and narrow streets, and they are asking officials to take practical steps to solve these problems. They have suggested building parking facilities, widening roads and creating new markets around the city.

Jalalabad Municipality, pointing to the importance of approving the new master plan, says it is a necessary step to restore urban order, reduce traffic, expand economic activity and create conditions for investment.