Prof. Jafar Sharifi

Soil Rehabilitation and Mismanagement: Key Factors in Lake Urmia’s Crisis

Sat May 17 2025

The restoration of Lake Urmia requires soil rehabilitation and proper management of water and infrastructure. Mismanagement in dam construction and the construction of the causeway bridge across the lake are considered major factors in its desiccation. Collaboration between administrative bodies, expert committees, and universities is essential for sustainable solutions.

1. Soil Rehabilitation and Water Optimization

Restoring Lake Urmia requires improving and optimizing regional soils by controlling their physical and chemical properties. Proper soil management helps direct water flow toward the lake and supports ecological balance.

2. Management Failures in Dam Construction

The construction of dams on seasonal rivers highlights a fundamental management failure. Mistakes in dam-building policies and practices have been a major contributor to the lake’s desiccation.

3. The Causeway Bridge and Its Impacts

The causeway bridge built across Lake Urmia is recognized as another significant factor in reducing water circulation and exacerbating the drying process.

4. The Role of Academic–Administrative Cooperation

The crisis can only be resolved through strong collaboration between administrative systems, expert committees, and universities, ensuring science-based and coordinated actions for sustainable restoration.