Water crisis in Iran: Tehran threatens to relocate its capital!

Water crisis in Iran: Tehran threatens to relocate its capital!

The water crisis in Iran has now reached an alarming state, affecting not only the capital Tehran, but also many other parts of the country. President Massoud Peseschkian has now even considered moving the capital as an emergency solution. He describes the water situation in Tehran as serious, even acute, and warns that water supplies are unlikely to be normalized in the coming weeks. This challenge is anything but new; it affects more than 20 of the country's 31 provinces and has steadily worsened over the past few years.

Also worrying is the drought, which, according to scientists at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, has brought the driest first half of the year since measurements began in 1893. One of the country's largest reservoirs is on the verge of drying up and could be empty in four weeks at the latest. The filling level at seven dams in Iran is currently below ten percent, and two dams in the provinces of Hormuzgan and Fars have already dried up completely.

Consequences of the water crisis

This precarious situation has far-reaching consequences for the population and the economy. The government has closed all authorities and schools until at least Saturday to minimize possible risks. In addition, the energy and water crisis is leading to the closure of many factories, which significantly weakens production capacity. A large wave of layoffs is already expected. Government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani describes the situation as a “natural disaster”.

The affected cities are looking for ways to reduce their water consumption patterns to what is necessary. Critics of the government accuse the responsible authorities of mismanagement in dealing with the changing weather conditions. Many Tehran residents have already left the city for the north, where water supplies are more stable. Interestingly, there are no water supply problems in the Caspian Sea provinces so far, while the rest of the country is suffering from this serious crisis.

Looking ahead

The pressing questions about the future of water supply are present across the nation. With widespread drought and the mismanagement of past governments as the main causes, it is clear that urgent action is needed. Peseschkian's government is under pressure to address this crisis situation and find a sustainable solution. Experts warn that normal water supplies are not expected until the fall rains - a grim prospect for the millions who rely on clean water.

How this water crisis will develop and what measures the government will take remains to be seen. Iran is facing one of the greatest challenges in its recent history – and the clock is ticking.

For more information about the water crisis in Iran, visit ZDF today and watson.ch.