The Situation of Lake Urmia Has Shifted from 'Very Critical' to 'Critical'

Mohsen Soleimani Roozbehani, the director of the Iran Wetlands Protection Project, states that recent rainfall has led to an increase in the water level of Lake Urmia, changing its status from 'very critical' to 'critical'. He mentioned on December 3rd to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) that the water level has risen by 30 centimeters due to recent rains and added, 'Now is an appropriate opportunity, and we must use it to the fullest to witness the vital signs of the lake stabilize.' This official noted that Lake Urmia is nearly 4 meters below its minimum environmental level, and compensating for such a deficit requires '12 to 15 billion cubic meters of water.' The national wetlands protection director referred to several plans, including reducing the exploitation of groundwater resources or using plants that consume less water. However, he emphasized that achieving the goals of these plans depends on 'the understanding of their importance by farmers and local communities.' A group of experts sees a close relationship between the use of groundwater and the drying up of Lake Urmia. Meanwhile, water exploitation and management in Iran face criticism. Lake Urmia, the largest permanent water body in Western Asia and one of Iran's most important natural habitats, has faced a significant crisis due to gradual drying in recent years. President Hassan Rouhani announced last July that the government would spend as much as necessary to save Lake Urmia and issued an order for the execution of restoration operations for the lake. The Iranian government spokesperson also announced in November that a budget of 700 billion tomans has been allocated for saving Lake Urmia. Mohsen Soleimani Roozbehani stated that '26 proposals' for the restoration of the lake have been approved, with 'the implementation of some of them already begun.'