Nikahang Kowsar

Subsidence in Tehran and Isfahan: The story of the sinking capitals

Abstract: In November 2021, tens of thousands in Isfahan took to the dry bed of Zayandehrud River to protest the mismanagement of water resources and support local farmers. People wanted their river back. During the unrest, many saw the significant cracks on the historic Si-o-se-pol and Khaju bridges caused by land subsidence. Local geotechnical experts believe that with the continuation of the depletion of the aquifer beneath Iran’s old capital of Isfahan might see its end in 9-15 years.

In Iran’s current capital, Tehran, major cracks in numerous old and new buildings are visible enough for any smart seismologist aware of the active faults around the city to be eager to leave. Sinkholes and long cracks on the ground caused by land subsidence in the poverty-stricken neighborhoods and suburbs are causing distress among residents who feel unsafe to stay but have few options left.

The government has tried to keep the residents satisfied by supplying more water from aquifers and shutting an eye on the overexploitation of groundwater resources for the sake of food independence. However, they have done so without recharging the aquifers, causing the gradual collapse of these two major cities.

Biography: Nikahang Kowsar, 52, is known by Iranians for his cartoon mocking Ayatollah Mesbah Yazdi in late January 2000 that triggered the protest of thousands of clergymen in the city of Qom. Charged with “undermining national security” he was lucky to land in the notorious Evin prison for just six days, followed by some not-so-lucky experiences with interrogators out of jail.

But many people also recognize him as the geologist who warned Iran’s president in 2001 about the effects of bad water management and depletion of aquifers without recharging them.
Residing in exile, Kowsar produces a weekly show about water scarcity and appears on mainstream TV channels with millions of viewers as a commentator and expert about his homeland’s ongoing water crisis and writes for major online publications.

He is working on his first documentary film about Iran’s water problems and lessons that could be learned from Israel’s experiences in water management.