Dr. Ali Hamedi

Unplanned Development and Water Mismanagement: Root Causes of Lake Urmia’s Crisis

Wed May 07 2025

The current crisis of Lake Urmia is rooted in excessive water demand, unsustainable agricultural policies, lack of scientific management, and a widespread ignorance about the responsible use of water and soil across all levels of society.

1. Unsustainable Water Demand

The fundamental driver of the lake’s current situation is the sharp rise in water demand caused by unplanned agricultural and urban expansion.

2. Lack of Scientific Management

The absence of integrated water governance and the failure to implement projects based on comprehensive scientific studies have deepened the crisis.

3. Agricultural Self-Sufficiency Policies

National policies promoting self-sufficiency in agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry have significantly increased pressure on water resources.

4. Collective Ignorance toward Natural Resources

A widespread ignorance toward water and soil stewardship has been evident across society—among government authorities, the general public, and even experts. This collective negligence has played a major role in the worsening of Lake Urmia’s condition.