Iran is facing a serious shortage of freshwater that affects towns, farms and villages. Reports and interviews say some military and security bodies drill groundwater wells without permission. Activists claim many illegal wells were dug by the IRGC, but that has not been independently confirmed.
Silence from oversight agencies has let the practice continue and made water supplies worse. In several provinces people have left villages after groundwater levels dropped. Official reports say many plains are now in a critical state and there are many unauthorized wells across the country.
Difficult words
- shortage — Not having enough of something people need
- freshwater — Water without salt used for drinking or farming
- groundwater — Water under the ground in soil and rocks
- drill — To make a hole in the ground
- permission — Official agreement to do something
- activist — A person who works for social changeActivists
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How would losing freshwater affect your daily life?
- Why might silence from oversight agencies make the water problem worse?
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