As Iran progresses through the first half of its water year and the rainy seasons, alarming reports have surfaced regarding the precipitous decline in water reserves across 17 critical dams throughout the country. Despite the significant volume of 20.78 billion cubic meters stored within these dams, a mere 42% of their reservoir capacity is currently occupied, leaving a staggering 58% unfilled.
Of particular concern is the dire situation facing 17 of Iran’s most pivotal dams, where water reserves have plummeted to below 20%, translating to over 80% of their reservoirs lying empty. The severity of this crisis was underscored by Issa Kalantari, former head of the Environmental Protection Organization, who lamented the failure of decades of promises to restore Iran’s environment, leaving the nation devoid of vital water resources.
Compounding this issue is the alarming decrease in regional rainfall, with data from the Country Meteorological Organization revealing a stark 47.5% reduction compared to historical averages. This deficit has been exacerbated by a notable decline in rainfall across the country, amounting to a significant decrease of 55 mm over the same period last year.
Furthermore, analysis of the Ministry of Energy and Meteorology’s data from the past five decades indicates a concerning downward trend in rainfall patterns, portending dire consequences for Iran’s future across various sectors, including population distribution.
Iran’s predicament is further exacerbated by its classification as one of the top three nations experiencing accelerated depletion of fresh water, as outlined in a recent study published in the scientific journal Nature. Unsustainable irrigation practices and the compounding effects of climate change have precipitated a widespread decline in underground water levels, signaling a distressing trajectory for the nation’s water security.
The convergence of climate-induced rainfall shortages, systemic mismanagement of water resources, and a lack of accountability in policy implementation has precipitated a nationwide ecological crisis. This crisis has not only led to heightened water tensions in various regions but has also sparked a wave of regional protests, often met with harsh repression by military and security forces of the regime.
As Iran grapples with the unfolding water crisis, urgent and decisive action is imperative to mitigate the impending ecological catastrophe and safeguard the nation’s vital water resources for future generations.
