58% of the capacity of Khuzestan dams is empty
According to the news network of the Khuzestan Water and Electricity Organization, Faraz Rabi’i stated: According to the report of the National Center for Drought and Meteorological Climatology, the whole country is facing an unprecedented drought. According to the report of the National Center for Drought and Meteorological Climatology, the whole country is facing an unprecedented drought.
He added: Rainfall is very low in Khuzestan and neighboring provinces that supply water to this province, such as Lorestan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, are also among the least rainy provinces in the country.
Rabiee added: There was no effective rain last winter and no significant yields occurred. Our hope was in April, which was also one of the rainiest months of April in previous periods.
Referring to the dewatering of 42% of the reservoirs of Khuzestan dams due to reduced yields, he said: Imports to Khuzestan since the beginning of this year have decreased by 33% compared to normal years.
Rabiee added: During this period, the volume of inflows in Dez Basin decreased by 43%, Karkheh Basin decreased by 40%, Karun Basin decreased by 24%, Maroon Basin decreased by 31% and Jarreh Basin decreased by 46%.
He emphasized: We believe that this summer’s drought in Khuzestan will be similar to 1997, although the situation in Dez and Karkheh basins is worse than in 1997.
Referring to the reasons for the sharp decline in the reservoir volume of Khuzestan dams, Rabie said: Low rainfall and consequently reduced yields made it impossible to fully drain the reservoirs of dams. On the other hand, the full supply of water for winter crops and efforts to prevent damage to farmers, has caused tension in the reservoirs of dams.
He added: The first meeting of drought stress management was held in February last year in Khuzestan Water and Electricity Organization and the limitation of water resources was announced to the governor’s office, following which several meetings were held in the governor’s office with the presence of managers.
Rabi’i pointed out: Based on the experiences of previous years and the opinions of experts and simulation models, careful planning has been done so that we can spend this summer with the least water stress.
Deputy of Khuzestan Water and Electricity Organization also said: The sharp decline in revenues will also affect hydropower generation, and energy production is projected to decline by 30% compared to last year.
He pointed to other effects of water stress in the coming summer in Khuzestan province and added: Our first priority is to provide quality drinking water, and all efforts are made in this direction, provided that the rest of the consumers, including agriculture and aquaculture, are committed to the program.
In response to whether there is a possibility of recurrence of salinity in drinking water in Abadan and Khorramshahr similar to 1997, Rabie said: This will not happen again if consumers’ perceptions are in line with the plan and more drainage does not enter the river.
He also said about water supply of Shadegan, Abadan and Khorramshahr palm trees: Water supply for permanent crops, including orchards and palm trees, is the second priority after drinking water supply, and if the plan is realized, we will not have a problem with water supply.
Rabiee added: The water supply of palm trees in Shadegan is the same as last year, and the release of water is done in waves, because this method was successful last year and has resulted in the satisfaction of palm growers and officials.
According to him, the planned volume of water for agriculture has been approved at the moment, but it has been decided that the agricultural jihad will announce its desired land level.
Referring to the announcement of drought warnings to Khuzestan authorities since February of last year, Rabiee said: We warned all the devices in the province to expect the drought of 1997 and prepare themselves for these conditions, if necessary, change their dredging system and dredge it.
He added: In the coming months, the Karun River in Ahvaz will be adjusted to about 200 cubic meters per second, so the river will be low in water.
Emphasizing the cooperation of all agencies and governorates for the realization of water resources planning, Rabiee added: According to the plan, we try not to increase the salinity of the Karun River in Ahvaz to more than three thousand micromoles and in Abadan to five thousand micromoles.
He continued: In times of drought stress, given that we can not increase the water, the only solution is to take precautions and plan to prevent damage, especially to the agricultural sector, in this regard, warnings have been announced since February last year.
