Despite the intermittent rainfall that the Iranian capital Tehran has witnessed since the beginning of December, official data reveals a very worrying water situation, as the main reservoirs and dams that feed the city are still suffering from a sharp drop in levels, which threatens to worsen the thirst crisis in one of the most severe drought periods the country has experienced.
Shocking figures for the "Amir Kabir" dam
Regarding the situation on the ground, local media reports, citing the Tasnim News Agency, revealed alarming statistics concerning the strategic Amir Kabir Dam. Of its total storage capacity of 205 million cubic meters, only 6 million cubic meters remain behind the dam. This effectively means that over 97% of the reservoir is completely empty, making it virtually impossible to rely on it to supply the capital at present.
Historical context and causes of the crisis
This crisis is not a recent development, but rather the result of decades of accumulated problems. While Iran is geographically classified as an arid and semi-arid region, experts point out that global climate change, coupled with years of mismanagement of water resources, has accelerated the pace of drought. The country has experienced a significant decrease in annual rainfall compared to the last century, leading to the depletion of both surface and groundwater.
Presidential warnings and potential repercussions
In an official statement reflecting the gravity of the situation, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described the country's water situation as "critical," emphasizing that the crisis is not limited to Tehran but extends to all 31 provinces. Pezeshkian stressed that failure to manage this vital issue could lead to complex problems that will be difficult to resolve in the future.
The repercussions of this drought extend beyond drinking water; it threatens food security due to the damage to the agricultural sector and negatively impacts hydroelectric power generation. Furthermore, environmental scientists warn of land subsidence in Tehran and its surrounding areas resulting from excessive groundwater extraction to compensate for the depletion of dams, posing a risk to the city's infrastructure.
Government measures and a deficit in other dams
To address this shortage, the government has resorted to imposing periodic water cuts and implementing rationing programs. According to the official news agency IRNA, the situation at the five dams supplying the capital is "unsatisfactory," with the Lar Dam recording a 51% deficit, the Taleghan Dam 48%, and the Mamlu and Latian Dams both recording a 53% deficit compared to the same period last year. This presents authorities with enormous challenges in securing water for millions of residents.
