A Nation Parched: Tehran's Unprecedented Water Shortage
Water scarcity has become an overwhelming national concern in Iran, where the absence of rainfall dominates public consciousness and government policy. In the mosques of northern Tehran, imams lead congregations in special prayers for rain, while meteorologists anxiously monitor forecasts for any sign of relief. The situation has reached critical levels, with the capital city recording just 1mm of rainfall this year - an event statistically expected only once every century.
Desperate Measures: From Cloud Seeding to Spiritual Pleas
Authorities have resorted to technological interventions, launching cloud seeding operations in an attempt to artificially induce precipitation. This process involves spraying particles like silver iodide and salt into clouds from aircraft to trigger rainfall. Meanwhile, across towns and villages nationwide, organised rain prayers have become commonplace, with many recalling past miracles like the 1944 drought-breaking rainfall in Qom that followed three days of continuous prayer.
The statistics paint a dire picture: more than 50 days have passed since the beginning of Iran's rainy season, with over 20 provinces remaining completely dry. The number of dams operating with less than 5% of their reservoir capacity has skyrocketed from eight to 32, indicating a crisis that has spread from central plains across the entire country.
Tehran's situation appears particularly alarming when compared to historical averages. Between 1991 and 2000, the capital received approximately 350mm of annual rainfall, making this year's meagre 1mm especially catastrophic. This comes atop five consecutive years of previous drought conditions, creating a compounding environmental emergency.
Political and Social Repercussions of the Crisis
The water shortage has sparked intense debate about its underlying causes, with some religious figures attributing the disaster to divine displeasure. Ayatollah Mohsen Araki, a conservative member of the Assembly of Experts, has drawn connections between "blatant debauchery on our streets" and the ongoing drought. Similarly, Grand Ayatollah Javadi Amoli suggested that "cultural problems, social shortcomings and sin take away the grounds for mercy."
This perspective has been challenged by supporters of President Masoud Pezeshkian, who notably asked why European nations with more liberal social policies enjoy greener landscapes. The question "Why do atheist countries have more rain?" has appeared in public discourse, highlighting the tension between religious interpretation and environmental reality.
President Pezeshkian himself caused international headlines by suggesting the capital's population might require evacuation to southern regions if conditions don't improve by mid-December. While other government officials dismissed this as unfeasible, water resources academics acknowledge that parts of Tehran dependent on dam water could face evacuation scenarios.
Practical responses are emerging alongside the philosophical debates. According to Mohsen Ardakani, director general of Tehran's provincial waste and water company, residents have already reduced consumption by 10% over seven months, though a 20% reduction is ultimately necessary. Water rationing through reduced pressure after midnight affects Tehran's 14 million residents, though authorities have avoided complete cutoffs.
Environmental experts like Kaveh Madani, former deputy head of Iran's Environmental Protection Agency, recall being discouraged from using alarmist terminology like "water bankruptcy" before being forced to leave the country during a crackdown on environmental activists. Now heading the Institute for Water Environment and Health at the United Nations University in Canada, Madani notes the proliferation of theories among ordinary Iranians, including questions about cloud theft and unconventional rain-making methods.
As Iran confronts this multidimensional crisis, the conversation is shifting from denial toward practical solutions. Mohammad Darwish, a prominent Iranian environmentalist, observes a growing environmental movement seeking to adapt to climate realities. With snow cover decreased by 98.6% nationwide compared to the same period last year and daily temperatures reaching unseasonably warm 20°C, the need for comprehensive action has never been more urgent.
