Experts Warn of Catastrophic Consequences of the Tang Sarakh Dam Construction in Shiraz

The Tang Sarakh Dam project near Shiraz is still underway despite experts' warnings about geological and environmental risks. This dam, which began construction in the 1380s (2000s), is located next to active Zagros faults, raising serious concerns about its impact on the safety of citizens and the environment. The government news agency ILNA has reported on the environmental and social consequences of the Tang Sarakh Dam, recently referred to as a 'tourism and sports reservoir,' evaluating it with a group of experts. Mohammad Darvish, an environmental activist, emphasizes that the dam's location on limestone and Zagros faults increases the risk of its failure in the event of an earthquake. Abdolmajid Asadi, a geology professor, points out the presence of two active faults, Sabzpushan and Qalat, in the area and warns that even a moderate earthquake could lead to the dam's failure and significant damage. Mojtaba Pakpour, a water resource management researcher, notes that the area's gypsum and clay formations will cause water leakage, making the formation of a reservoir behind the dam practically impossible. He considers the project unreasonable due to high costs and technical issues. Pakpour also highlights that the activation of these faults due to the dam's filling increases the likelihood of dam failure. Furthermore, Hamid Mesbah, a natural resources researcher in Fars province, warns that if the dam fails, a disaster similar to the flood in Derna, northeastern Libya, which resulted in over eleven thousand deaths, could occur in Shiraz. Another concern is the dam's limited capacity to control floods. Ali Najati, a hydrology expert, has warned that the design structure of this dam is such that if it breaks, large parts of Shiraz will be submerged. Najati states, 'This dam not only does not ensure the city's safety but also exacerbates flood risks.' Other criticisms of the project include the destruction of natural habitats in the area. Mohammad Abbasi, an environmental researcher, tells ILNA that the dam's construction has led to the destruction of thousands of oak trees and the loss of valuable biodiversity in the region. Critics have also pointed out the lack of transparency in the decision-making processes regarding this project. According to Karimi, a former member of the dam evaluation team, detailed risk assessment studies for this dam are still incomplete. Many experts are calling for the halt of the Tang Sarakh Dam project. They believe that instead of relying on traditional dam construction methods, alternative solutions such as water consumption management, qanat restoration, and the use of new technologies should be considered. Meanwhile, project officials continue to emphasize the benefits of the Tang Sarakh Dam, claiming it can meet a significant portion of Shiraz's water needs and prevent seasonal floods. Following the experts' warnings, various public and environmental groups have called for the project to be stopped. Environmental activists argue that continuing the construction of the Tang Sarakh Dam without a thorough risk assessment threatens the lives and property of thousands of Shiraz citizens.