Reports from Iranian media outlets have highlighted a concerning trend: an uptick in migration from central regions to the northern provinces, prompting warnings about the potential ramifications of this phenomenon. As questions arise about the motivations behind this migration, concerns are raised about the living conditions that drive individuals to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
One prominent factor contributing to this migration wave is the issue of water scarcity, particularly affecting regions in central and eastern Iran. As resources dwindle and livelihoods become increasingly unsustainable, residents are compelled to seek refuge in areas where water remains more abundant.
Experts in demography attribute this migration trend to disparities in budget allocation, with residents opting to relocate to developed provinces and cities with higher financial resources in pursuit of improved prosperity. Shahla Kazemipour, a sociologist, speaking to the state-run website ‘Khabar Online,’ underscores the allure of better economic prospects as a primary driver of inter-city migration.
Environmental factors further exacerbate the situation, with increasing levels of air pollution in regions such as Khuzestan prompting residents to seek environments with cleaner air for the preservation of their health. Ahad Tazifi, head of the National Drought Center of the Meteorological Organization, warns of the drying of vital water sources like the Hirmand River, foreshadowing heightened migration from provinces like Sistan and Baluchistan to northern regions.
Issa Kalantari, former head of the Environmental Protection Organization, issues a stark prediction regarding the future of agriculture in southern Iran, foreseeing a drastic shift northward due to unsustainable water management practices. His dire warning underscores the urgency of addressing environmental degradation to ensure the viability of agricultural livelihoods for future generations.
Dariush Golalizadeh, head of the National Center for Air and Climate Change, highlights the role of climate change in driving migration patterns, citing a significant influx of migrants from central and southern provinces to the north over the past two years. He warns of the security implications of such large-scale migrations, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to mitigate environmental pressures.
As environmental migrations escalate, experts caution against overlooking the multifaceted challenges faced by migrants in their quest for a better quality of life. Beyond environmental concerns, cultural differences, housing shortages, access to education and healthcare, and the strain on urban infrastructure pose significant obstacles to integration and well-being in destination cities.
The current urban landscape in Iran is already fraught with numerous challenges, exacerbated by the influx of migrants seeking refuge from environmental hardships. Urgent action is needed to address the root causes of migration, implement sustainable environmental policies, and ensure equitable access to resources to safeguard the well-being of all Iranians.
