An expert sought stringent restrictions on planting water-intensive crops in arid regions, calling for those in violation to be levied hefty fines.
Speaking to IRNA, Esmaeil Kahrom, advisor to the head of the Department of Environment, said people, especially farmers, need to realize that the difficulty of changing wasteful practices pales in comparison to the difficulty of having to live without water.
“The successful management of water resources is contingent on implementation of strict regulations,” he said.
Among other solutions to address Iran’s severe water shortage is mandating industrial units to use water treatment facilities and recycling systems.
“Raising public awareness, efficient use of water and using modern irrigation systems can be helpful,” he said.
Considering the severe drought befalling the country, stringent laws and punishments are indispensable to prudent water management.
Kahrom pointed to Iran’s 12-year battle with drought and said enforcing strict water regulations is essential to curbing the looming crisis.
To drive his point home, Kahrom referred to the abysmal state of Zayandehroud river and Gavkhouni Wetland in Isfahan.
“Years of mismanagement, which allowed water-intensive crops such as watermelon and rice to be farmed, led to the desiccation of water bodies,” he said.
In February, Hamid Zohrabi, head of Isfahan Province’s DOE, called on state officials to decentralize industries to ease the pressure on Isfahan’s water resources.
Currently, Isfahan is responsible for 70% of Iran’s steel production, 60% of brick production and 25% of oil production, as well as 11% of the country’s s total electricity generation.
