Sistan Under Siege: Drought and Dust Storms Threaten the Region

ZAHEDAN (Kokcha.News) — The Sistan region, comprising five counties—Zabol, Zahak, Hamoun, Hirmand, and Nimruz—in the north of Sistan and Baluchestan province, has been facing a severe environmental crisis in recent years. Persistent droughts, the complete drying of the internationally recognized Hamoun Wetland, and the seasonal “120-day winds” have combined to create a perfect storm of ecological and socio-economic challenges for the region.

In the past, the 120-day winds, known for their dry and hot nature, would bring cool and moist breezes as they passed over the Hamoun Wetland. However, with the wetland now dry, these winds have become a source of dust storms, exacerbating the region’s heat and environmental degradation. Experts note that consecutive droughts over the past two decades have made life in Sistan increasingly difficult, forcing residents into a relentless struggle against natural phenomena like dust storms.

The Drying of the Hamoun Wetland
The Hamoun Wetland, once one of the largest wetland ecosystems in Iran and the world (the seventh-largest international wetland), is now facing an unprecedented drought due to the drastic reduction in water flow from the Hirmand River. Reports from Iran’s Department of Environment indicate that over 85% of the wetland has dried up, turning into a vast salt flat that has become a major source of dust in the region.

Experts attribute this crisis to climate change and the reduced flow of the Hirmand River, caused by the construction and completion of multiple dams in Afghanistan. The lack of water reaching Iran has not only destroyed the wetland’s ecosystem but also threatened the health and livelihoods of thousands of Sistan residents.

Studies from the University of Zabol show that approximately 65% of agricultural lands around Hamoun have been taken out of cultivation due to soil erosion, leading to widespread unemployment and forced migration to larger cities. The completion of the “Bakhshabad Dam” in Afghanistan, which could control up to 98% of the annual flow of the Farah River (a key source of water for Hamoun), is seen as the final blow to the already struggling wetland.

The 120-Day Winds and Dust Storms
The seasonal 120-day winds, which typically blow from May to October, have become a source of severe dust storms in the region. In the past, when the Hamoun Wetland was full, these winds acted as a natural air conditioner, bringing cool breezes and revitalizing the rural landscape. Now, the dry wetland has turned these winds into carriers of salt and dust particles.

In recent years, the number of days with 120-day winds has increased to over 200 days annually, leading to devastating dust storms that reduce visibility to a few hundred meters and pose serious health risks to the population.

The Sistan and Baluchestan Meteorological Organization has repeatedly issued warnings about the intensification of these winds and the likelihood of severe dust storms. For example, in recent months, yellow and orange alerts have been issued for the northern regions of the province, indicating the potential for dangerous dust storms.

Loss of Vegetation and Soil Erosion
Consecutive droughts and poor water management have led to a significant reduction in natural vegetation in the Sistan plains. The soil on the dry bed of Hamoun has lost its cohesion, making it highly susceptible to erosion by the 120-day winds. Field reports indicate that many of the region’s dust hotspots are located in areas where wetland vegetation has disappeared and the land has dried up.

Excessive sand extraction from the Hamoun bed and vehicle traffic have also contributed to the worsening dust problem. Academic research shows that over 65% of agricultural lands around Hamoun have been taken out of cultivation due to soil erosion, leading to dry farmlands and a shortage of fodder for livestock. This destruction of natural resources, coupled with the unemployment of farmers, has accelerated desertification in the region.

Threats to Biodiversity and Wildlife Migration
The Hamoun Wetland was once one of the most important habitats in Sistan and Baluchestan, home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna. Scientific studies show that the wetland supported 284 species of wildlife, including 28 mammals, 183 birds, 44 reptiles, 7 amphibians, and 22 fish species. The drying of the wetland has pushed many of these species to the brink of extinction.

Reports indicate that species such as flamingos, gray pelicans, and some birds of prey are at serious risk and require special protection. Additionally, the destruction of the Hamoun Wetland as a wintering habitat has altered the migration routes of around 400,000 migratory birds. Local experts report that migratory birds no longer come to Hamoun, and species such as the northern pintail, coot, pelican, and cormorant have migrated to other areas.

Scientists warn that without the restoration of the wetland’s water supply, the region could soon lose its ecotourism potential for migratory birds entirely.

Social Consequences and Human Migration
The close connection between the people of Sistan and their natural environment has made the ecological crisis a serious threat to the region’s economy and social fabric. Most residents rely on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods, and the drying of rivers and the wetland has rendered many farmlands unusable.

Official reports and university statistics show that the lack of water has led to dry farmlands and a shortage of fodder for livestock. Many farmers have been forced to abandon their jobs and migrate to other regions. This rural-to-urban migration has not only hurt the local economy but also exacerbated social problems such as unemployment, poverty, and food insecurity.

Members of the Iranian parliament and local officials have confirmed the human toll of this crisis, stating that many residents have either migrated or become unemployed due to the drought and the drying of Hamoun. They also note that there is no precise data on the extent of this migration.

Additionally, air pollution, particularly from persistent dust storms, has led to an unprecedented increase in respiratory illnesses in Sistan, significantly raising healthcare costs.

Warnings and Academic Research
In recent years, official and academic institutions have repeatedly warned about the worsening situation. The head of Iran’s Department of Environment has stated that the ecological crisis in the region could spread to the entire Hamoun basin and neighboring countries, emphasizing that “dust from the dry wetland bed affects not only Iran but also the region and Afghanistan.”

The Sistan and Baluchestan Meteorological Organization has also issued repeated warnings about the intensification of dust storms, issuing yellow and orange alerts for the northern regions of the province.

Academic research within Iran has confirmed the severity of the crisis. For example, studies from the University of Zabol show that over 65% of agricultural lands around Hamoun have been taken out of cultivation due to “wetland drying and soil erosion.” At scientific conferences and in publications, Sistan and Baluchestan have been described as “one of the most critical dust hotspots in the world.”

International studies have also highlighted the role of external factors in exacerbating the Hamoun drought. For example, analyses show that the completion of the “Bakhshabad Dam” in Afghanistan could control nearly all the annual flow of the Farah River (a key source of water for Hamoun), potentially leading to the complete destruction of the wetland.

Efforts and Shortcomings in Crisis Management
National and provincial authorities have proposed several major projects to address the crisis in Sistan, including a plan to transfer water from the Oman Sea to the water-scarce southern regions and the implementation of modern irrigation systems in the province.

The Department of Environment has also initiated programs for afforestation with drought-resistant native species, biological soil stabilization, and the development of vegetation in the wetland area.

At the international level, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prioritized securing Hamoun’s water rights from Afghanistan, with ongoing negotiations in this regard.

However, many experts believe these efforts are still insufficient. Local environmental activists argue that as long as the root cause of the crisis—the dry wetland bed—remains unaddressed, there can be no hope for improvement.

Farmers in the region have repeatedly spoken of unfulfilled promises. One resident of Zabol stated, “Officials promise to revive Hamoun, but nothing ever happens, and the wetland gets drier every day.” He added that despite repeated protests, “no effective action” has been taken.

Some natural resource experts also doubt the effectiveness of conventional methods such as mulching and afforestation, arguing that these measures have not had a significant impact on reducing dust storms at their current scale.

Critics believe that the lack of coordination between government agencies, insufficient funding, and the neglect of local capacities have hindered the implementation of comprehensive programs. Some experts have proposed the formation of a committee comprising managers, researchers, and local representatives to develop a localized and coordinated plan for wetland restoration and dust control.

Innovative Solutions: Cultivating “Capers” to Combat Dust Storms
In light of diminishing hopes for the restoration of the Hamoun Wetland’s water rights from Afghanistan, relying on local capacities and knowledge to implement measures for stabilizing dust hotspots seems like a logical approach.

In this context, Gholamreza Azarsa, the deputy head of agriculture in Zahak County, has proposed an innovative solution: cultivating “capers” (Capparis spinosa) to combat dust storms.

Azarsa explained that the plant, known locally as “Kabar” or “Snake Grass,” grows as a creeping plant that can cover large areas of soil, reducing wind erosion by up to 70%. He emphasized that the plant requires only 3-4 initial waterings and can remain green and thriving for up to 30 years without additional water.

Azarsa also highlighted the plant’s potential for economic and medicinal use, stating that locals use it to make pickles and that it could be used as a windbreak in urban green spaces.

He announced that he has patented an innovative method for cultivating the plant, reducing the germination period from 4-5 years to just 20 days, allowing for the mass production of seedlings.

Azarsa reported the successful pilot cultivation of “Capers” in collaboration with the University of Zabol and stated that large-scale cultivation of the plant will begin this year.

Conclusion
The environmental crisis in Sistan, driven by drought, the 120-day winds, and dust storms, is a multifaceted issue with far-reaching ecological, social, and economic consequences. The widespread drying of the Hamoun Wetland, the increase in dust storms, the loss of vegetation, and the decline in biodiversity all indicate that if the crisis is not managed seriously, the region will face unprecedented challenges.

Warnings from environmental authorities and findings from local and international research all point to the urgent need for action. By implementing comprehensive dust control programs and actively engaging the local community, there is hope that parts of this crisis can be mitigated. Otherwise, soil erosion and the forced migration of people and wildlife will continue, and environmental risks will spread beyond Sistan’s borders.