Launch of Khuzestan Marine Projects Delayed Again

The inauguration of four marine tourism projects along the banks of Karoun River in Khuzestan Province has been put off once again, although they are claimed to be complete and ready to start operation. Quoting a statement by Karoun Development Organization, Mana reported that "construction work on the projects is complete". The cause of the delay remains unclear.

With the allocation of 200 billion rials (approximately $5.7 million), the projects’ design and implementation started two years ago. They were slated to become operational in April, but the opening date was pushed back to Government Week (August 23-29), due to a lack of funds. The projects provide wharfs for boat tours throughout the 725-kilometer-long river, which is Iran’s most effluent and only navigable river.

Karoun River's watershed covers 65,230 square kilometers in two Iranian provinces—Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari and Khuzestan. It is sourced in Zardkouh Mountain in the Zagros Mountain Range and is fed by numerous rivers, such as Dez and Kouhrang, before passing through the capital of Khuzestan, Ahvaz.

The oil-rich Khuzestan Province is home to three world heritage sites, namely Choghazanbil (inscribed in 1979), Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System (2009) and Susa (2015).

Despite the province’s arid climate in Iran’s southwestern region, Khuzestan’s northern regions are known for green landscapes and natural attractions, including Temi Lake and Shevi Waterfall.

However, local tour operators complain that Khuzestan’s battle with dust storms and its value as an oil refining center has completely overshadowed its tourism potential.