Energy Authority Denies Damming Up Urmia’s Intake

The Energy Ministry has denied the recent accusations by the Department of Environment and officials with the Urmia Lake Restoration Project regarding its refusal to release water from dam reservoirs into the lake when possible as required by regulations. 
The deputy head for planning at the ministry’s water and wastewater office has claimed that the amount of dam water directed toward the lake has been larger than the set target over the current water year (started Sept. 23). 
“Based on plans, 289 million cubic meters were set to be sent into Urmia while we have so far released 486 million cm, that is around 67% more than the target,” Hedayat Fahmi was quoted as saying by Mehr News Agency. 
He admitted, however, that the ministry blocked water behind dams over the past January and February, though it was not the growing season.