GEO-ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY OF THE AREA BETWEEN INCHAS AND ABU ZAABL, EAST CAIRO, EGYPT

Abstract

The study area lies nearly between Inchas and Abu Zaabal (Longitudes 31° 17’, 31° 41’ E and Latitudes 30° 12’, 30° 28’ N) around Ismailia Canal which is one of the most important branches of the Nile River in Egypt. It is the main source for drinking and irrigation water for many cities. It was constructed in 1862 to supply drinking water to the villages on the Suez Canal zones and to the workers during digging the Suez Canal Navigation Route, and considered one of the most important irrigation and drinking water resources in Egypt. Ismailia Canal water is used for irrigation, domestic and industrial uses, it is the principal source of drinking water for a great number of Egyptian citizens (about 12 million inhabitants), including those living in the northern part of Greater Cairo, Shubra El-Kheima, El Amiria, Mattaria, Musturod, Abu Zaabal, Inchas, Belbees, Abbasa, Abu-Hammad, Zagazig and El-Tal El-Kabeer, before entering the Suez Canal area as well as industrial purposes.