Iran´s salt lake disappearing

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-21-2008 11:09

Iran's largest inland salt lake may be in danger of disappearing. Officials and visitors are worried about the long term environmental impact of its receding waters and the increasing salt levels caused by a period of drought.

Some say they fear that Lake Urumiyah could dry up altogether in ten years. (CCTV.com)

Some say they fear that Lake Urumiyah could dry up altogether in ten years.

Located in northwest Iran, Lake Urumiyah used to be a popular tourist destination.

It has beautiful beaches, and during summer months it used to attract thousands of travellers who went there to swim. Its water is also said to have therapeutic benefits for skin conditions and some diseases.

But because of ongoing drought in the area the lake is slowly receding. The water levels are said to be nearly 3 meters below its usual range.

Saeed Akbari, Tourist, said, "If this situation continues, the lake will surely dry up within ten years. If that happens, we will have soil damage as the result of increased salt levels. This could also turn fertile soil in the Azerbaijan and Kurdistan regions into desert.

Local people say that some water fowl, which have traditionally bred at the lake have recently had to change their breeding patterns.

And some tiny creatures which once lived in the lake can now barely be seen as they can not survive in the concentrated water.

Environmentalists say efforts by the government to protect the lake have been insufficient and say they want further action before it is too late for the plants and wildlife in the region.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei