Commentary: How the wounds of Khuzestan can be healed?

By: Jamshid Aminzadeh

Tehran (IP) - Drought, water shortage and excessive heat in Khuzestan province have caused many problems to the people of this large part of the country, says Leader.

Iran Press/ Iran news: Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, pointed to the problems of the people of Khuzestan on Friday after receiving the second dose of 'Covo-Iran Barakat' vaccine and said: "In recent days, one of the really painful concerns is the issue of Khuzestan water and problems of the people."

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution instructed the officials of governmental and non-governmental organizations to seriously address the problems and issues of the people of this province.

He also complained about the non-observance of several previous recommendations about water in Khuzestan and sewage in Ahvaz, the capital of the province, adding: "If those recommendations were taken into account, it would certainly not create a situation that would upset the loyal people of Khuzestan despite all the natural facilities and potentials and factories in the province."

A large part of Iran, based on climatic and geographical coordinates, suffers from water shortages and low rainfall. This problem is exacerbated during the drought, which this year is one of the same years.

However, apart from natural factors, the role of human factors and managerial weaknesses in creating a crisis caused by water shortage cannot be ignored.

Some experts consider improper dam construction, unprofessional water transfer projects from the tributaries of this province as well as management weaknesses in the implementation of water supply infrastructure required by cities and villages as among the causes of water shortage in this province.

"In the last 50 years, we have witnessed climate change, wet years and drought, but human actions have caused negative changes in this process," said Ali Mohammad Akhond-Ali, a faculty member at Ahvaz Shahid Chamran University.

Protests are now taking place due to various factors, such as the summer heat and seasonal drought, the continuing coronavirus pandemic, the lack of electricity and the poor living conditions of the people.

The fact is that the income and employment of a large part of the people of Khuzestan, especially its villages, depend on agriculture and animal husbandry.

Buffalo breeding is the main source of income and occupation for some people in Khuzestan. In recent days, many livestock and thousands of fish have perished because of the heat and lack of water.

Now, although the problem of water shortage is decreasing with the great efforts of all government and public institutions and the opening of the outlets of Karun Dam, the problem of water in Khuzestan must be solved fundamentally.

That is why Ayatollah Khamenei, referring to the people's unhappiness, stated: "But they cannot be blamed because the issue of water is not a small issue even in the hot climate of Khuzestan. These people should not have problems and if the people's problems were addressed at duo time, this situation would not arise."

Ayatollah Khamenei, meanwhile, advised the people to beware of the enemy's conspiracies and said: "The enemy seeks to use everything against the revolution and the country and the interests of the people, so all must be vigilant not to give them an excuse."

The people of Iran, especially in the hot province of Khuzestan, have endured many hardships in crisis and difficulties, and their loyal and selfless presence at the forefront of the problems of the eight years of holy defence is one of the honours of the people of this province.

At the same time, the demands of the people from the authorities and their expectations for health, water supply for agriculture and sustainable livelihood are obvious. The word of the Leader of the Revolution and his explicit order to the officials to solve the problem of water shortage in this province as soon as possible is an emphasis on this point.