Urmia lake and Dams

A Precious Natural Reserve on the

Brink of Extinction

Urmia Lake, one of the largest saltwater lakes in the world and a vital natural reserve, is now on the verge of complete destruction. Once a shining gem of the northwest region, it has turned into a cracked, dry, and saline bed. The consequences of this devastation extend far beyond the provinces of West and East Azerbaijan, posing serious environmental, economic, and social challenges across the entire country.

Rivers That No Longer Reach the Lake

In the past, Urmia Lake was fed by approximately 14 permanent rivers and several seasonal streams. Rivers such as Zarrineh Rud, Simineh Rud, Gadarchay, Barandozchay, Ajichay (Talkheh Rud), Sofichay, and Nazlochay played a crucial role in supplying water to the lake. However, today most of these rivers have either dried up or, due to numerous dams constructed along their courses, no longer deliver significant water to the lake.

Uncontrolled Dam Construction:

A Fatal Blow to the Ecosystem

Over the past decades, more than 60 large and small dams have been built in the lake’s watershed. Dams such as the Boukan Dam on Zarrineh Rud, Mahabad Dam, Ajichay Dam, Nazloo Dam, and Barandoz Dam were designed to supply drinking water, support agriculture, and generate electricity. Yet, the devastating environmental impacts of these dams on the lake’s ecosystem were never seriously considered in decision-making processes.

Environmental and Human Consequences

The outcomes of these policies are alarming:

Over 80% of the lake’s surface area has dried up in some years.

With a drastic reduction in freshwater inflow, the lake’s salinity has sharply increased, putting native species like Artemia and migratory birds at risk of extinction.

Salt storms arising from the dry lakebed have severely polluted the air, causing respiratory illnesses among local residents.

Local climate changes, destruction of farmlands, reduced incomes for farmers, and increased rural migration are other critical consequences of this crisis.

Mismanagement: The Root Cause of the Crisis

Contrary to the narrative that attributes the crisis to climate change or drought, the primary cause of Urmia Lake’s destruction is poor water resource management and flawed national policies.

Key factors include:

Dam construction without environmental impact assessments

Unscientific inter-basin water transfers

Unsustainable agricultural development in arid areas

Lack of a comprehensive water management plan

Ignoring warnings from independent experts

Together, these have not only driven Urmia Lake toward collapse but also jeopardized the fate of other wetlands, rivers, and plains across the country.

Urmia Lake: A Warning for the Future

Urmia Lake is no longer just a lake; it has become a stark symbol of the unsustainable development trends dominating the country. If this path continues, the complete drying of Zayandeh Rud, Gavkhouni Wetland, Bakhtegan, Hamun, and other natural reserves should come as no surprise.

Saving Urmia Lake requires a scientific, cross-sectoral approach with public participation and serious policy reforms. Without these fundamental changes, what will remain of the country’s natural heritage is only a memory in history books.