The head of the Seismology and Risk Assessment Department of the Housing Research Center stated to the IRNA news agency that land subsidence in the capital and its surroundings has intensified due to reduced rainfall and groundwater extraction, posing a "greater danger than a major earthquake." Ali Bitollah, the head of this research organization under the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development of Iran, mentioned that "the increase in land subsidence in Tehran has doubled compared to the last five years." He noted that "land subsidence is a greater threat than a major earthquake, and its consequences, considering the inaction of officials regarding excessive drinking water consumption, threaten the capital." Land subsidence in Tehran has been reported as "3.6 meters every 10 years," and IRNA states that Tehran holds the world record in this regard. On September 12, Bitollah told IRNA that groundwater extraction and decline in groundwater levels have increased the average land subsidence in the Tehran plain and also in the southern, central, and southwestern areas of the capital from 17 centimeters per year in the 1380s (2001-2011) to 36 centimeters per year. According to this researcher, this issue has also caused "serious damage" to most plains and is a "national problem." Bitollah stated that while drought cannot be managed, groundwater extraction can be managed, and efforts must be made to prevent waste of these resources. His statements come amid recent news about land subsidence in Tehran, including an incident two weeks ago where land subsidence on Payambar Street led to the gas supply being cut off for a thousand Tehran residents; a similar incident occurred near the Hosseiniyeh Ershad, and the Deputy Mayor of Tehran stated at that time that if Tehran's water network is not renovated, "this incident will repeat every week in some part of the capital." Meanwhile, some members of the Tehran City Council believe that fatal subway incidents may also be related to land subsidence, although the Deputy Mayor of Tehran stated after the Kian Shahr subway incident that this issue "did not occur due to land subsidence." Bitollah told IRNA that to combat land subsidence, plans should be developed similar to those for earthquakes and floods, and in the "most optimistic scenario," the average land subsidence in Tehran should be limited to 17 centimeters per year. According to this Ministry of Roads and Urban Development official, the ideal rate of land subsidence is 2 to 3 centimeters per year.
Warning from the Housing Research Center on Intensifying Land Subsidence in Tehran
Ali Bitollah, head of the Seismology and Risk Assessment Department, warns that land subsidence in Tehran has doubled in the last five years due to groundwater extraction and reduced rainfall, posing a significant threat. He emphasizes the need for management of groundwater resources to mitigate this national problem.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Ali Bitollah warned that land subsidence in Tehran has significantly increased due to groundwater extraction and reduced rainfall, presenting a serious risk to the city. He emphasized the need for better management of water resources to mitigate this growing threat.
- Land subsidence in Tehran is reported at an alarming rate of 36 centimeters per year, doubling from the previous decade.
- Tehran is experiencing the highest rate of land subsidence in the world, with potential consequences for infrastructure and public safety.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Land subsidence occurs when groundwater is extracted faster than it can be replenished, leading to ground sinking. In Tehran, this is exacerbated by climate change and urbanization.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%