Farmers in Isfahan Protest Against 'Closure of Zayandeh Rud Water'

A group of farmers in Isfahan protested against the lack of water flow in the Zayandeh Rud river, despite promises from officials, by gathering in front of the city’s governorate. According to Tasnim News Agency, these farmers on Tuesday, April 10, demanded the reopening of the Zayandeh Rud river water to begin spring planting. Previously, it was scheduled for the 'third water' for the spring planting of Isfahan farmers to be released on April 10, but due to what was announced as a problem in 'water storage,' this action has not yet occurred. The farmers, who have currently planted in the fields around Isfahan, are concerned about this issue. In this context, Esfandiar Amini, head of the Isfahan Agricultural Experts Association, stated that farmers are protesting the non-implementation of the Supreme Water Council's resolutions for the regulation of the Zayandeh Rud river. Mr. Amini also mentioned the development of agriculture and industries in Isfahan and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and the disregard for the directives from the Ministry of Energy and the Supreme National Security Council for the regulation of the Zayandeh Rud as other factors contributing to the farmers' protests. The head of the Isfahan Agricultural Experts Association added, 'Currently, it is still unclear why the water is not being released, and if the water is not released quickly, farmers will face irreparable losses.' Isfahan city has been struggling with water scarcity and drought for years, which has led to the drying up of the Zayandeh Rud for most days of the year. Currently, 56 cities and 300 villages in Isfahan province are supplied by the Zayandeh Rud water system, and many efforts have been made to revive this river, which have not yet been very successful. Water scarcity and drought in Isfahan province threaten not only the rivers and traditional streams of the province but also the agriculture and daily life of its people. The extent of this drought threat has progressed to the point that some policies of local officials in 2012 aimed at water management led to protests from farmers and widespread clashes that year.