It was recently reported that the water crisis in Iran had become so severe that authorities were forced to cut off the water supply at night in the capital city, Tehran.
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It was recently reported that the water crisis in Iran had become so severe that authorities were forced to cut off the water supply at night in the capital city, Tehran. The move was inevitable, as drinking water sources like dams and rivers were drying and groundwater reserves were depleting with no rainfall throughout the autumn season. The citizens were warned about possible evacuations in the event of no rain, as the country was facing its most severe water crisis in more than six decades. Many might not see this coming, at least this quick, but it was not unexpected. Today, it has become one of the most pressing challenges. According to the United Nations report, over two billion people across the world don’t have access to safe drinking water, while many more face severe water scarcity during certain periods of the year. Countries in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia, including India, are more vulnerable to water shortages and extreme weather conditions. Even areas like Northeast India, which is known for its extensive tropical rainforests, freshwater sources and heavy rainfall, are not spared from the crisis. Many parts of the region are facing severe water shortages today, something that was unheard of in the past. Unfortunately, the crisis is set to worsen. A report by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health has said ‘the world has gone beyond temporary water crises’ and has entered a “global water bankruptcy” era, a condition where usage is more than what nature can replenish. This study calls for an urgent need to take tangible measures to restore natural water systems.
While climate change, characterised by erratic weather conditions and changing rainfall patterns, has exacerbated water scarcity, several other factors, such as rapid population growth and industrialisation, also contribute to the crisis. It is compounded by poor water management, including unequal distribution, unregulated groundwater extraction and construction of dams at the expense of sustainability. To tackle the issue, a multi-faceted approach such as rainwater harvesting, strict monitoring of groundwater usage, implementation of measures to recharge aquifers, and other sustainable practices is required. If left unaddressed, the crisis will pose a serious threat to health, food security, the economy and human survival. It is essential to protect this shared heritage not only for a sustainable future but also for peaceful coexistence by preventing potential conflicts over water resources both within and between countries.