Iran Faces Environmental Crisis as Land Subsidence Threatens Infrastructure and Heritage

Iran is confronting a severe environmental crisis as extensive land subsidence threatens infrastructure, historical sites, and the safety of millions. This phenomenon, primarily driven by excessive groundwater extraction for agriculture, has intensified over recent decades, placing the nation among the most affected globally.

A comprehensive study published in Science Advances in May 2024 utilized satellite data from 2014 to 2020 to assess land subsidence across Iran. The research identified approximately 56,000 square kilometers—3.5% of the country's land area—experiencing significant subsidence, with about 3,000 square kilometers sinking at rates exceeding 10 centimeters per year. Notably, 77% of these critically subsiding areas correlate with intensive agricultural activity.

The primary driver of this subsidence is the over-extraction of groundwater, with more than 90% of the nation's water resources allocated to agriculture. Climate change has exacerbated the situation by causing more frequent and severe droughts, leading to increased reliance on groundwater. In provinces like Tehran, Kerman, and Isfahan, land is subsiding at alarming rates, causing damage to pipelines, drainage systems, and other vital infrastructure.

The crisis is widespread, affecting numerous regions:

• Tehran: Some areas are sinking at rates of up to 31 centimeters per year, endangering infrastructure and historical sites.

• Isfahan: Over 100 schools were evacuated and closed last year due to the threat of land subsidence.

• Kerman: The city of Rafsanjan, a major pistachio-producing area, has experienced significant subsidence due to water-intensive farming practices.

• Qom: The Aliabad plain experienced a significant decline in groundwater levels, averaging 26.35 meters between 2001 and 2013, leading to varying degrees of land subsidence across the region.

Land subsidence has been a growing concern in Iran for decades. By 2022, the approximate area of subsidence zones in the country had reached 18.5 million hectares, nearly 11% of Iran’s total area. This indicates a rapid acceleration of the problem in recent years.

The Iranian government has acknowledged the severity of the crisis. In 2024, President Masoud Pezeshkian called for the relocation of Iran’s political and economic center away from Tehran, citing the capital’s mounting environmental and infrastructural challenges. He stated, “We have no choice but to move the country’s political and economic center closer to the southern waters.” However, comprehensive and enforceable frameworks to address land subsidence have yet to be implemented effectively.

The subsidence crisis poses significant threats:

• Infrastructure Damage: Subsidence results in significant economic losses in the form of structural damage and high maintenance costs.

• Historical Sites at Risk: Iran’s rich cultural heritage is also at risk due to land subsidence. Historical monuments, some dating back to the Achaemenid Empire, face the threat of irreversible damage.

• Increased Earthquake Vulnerability: Iran is located in one of the world’s most earthquake-prone regions. Experts warn that subsidence can exacerbate the impact of earthquakes, potentially leading to more severe damage and higher casualties.

Addressing the subsidence crisis requires a multifaceted approach:

• Sustainable Water Management: Implementing efficient irrigation methods, such as drip or sprinkler systems, and cultivating crops that require less water can reduce groundwater extraction.

• Regulation and Enforcement: Prohibiting excessive use of groundwater basins and enforcing regulations on well drilling are crucial steps.

• Infrastructure Investment: Upgrading water distribution systems to minimize waste and investing in alternative water sources can alleviate pressure on aquifers.

• Public Awareness: Educating the public on water conservation practices and the consequences of over-extraction can foster community involvement in mitigation efforts.

The urgency of addressing Iran's land subsidence crisis cannot be overstated. Without immediate and coordinated efforts, the nation risks irreversible damage to its infrastructure, cultural heritage, and the well-being of its citizens.