A group of Iranian artists is urging compatriots to begin donating their monthly government benefits to find solutions for the country’s worsening environmental problems.

ILNA reports that many prominent figures in Iranian cinema, literature, theatre and journalism have issued a warning about the alarming environmental problems in Iran, including the drying of Lake Oroumiyeh and the Zayandeh River, deforestation, severe air pollution in various cities, and many other problems, adding that any delay in dealing with these problems will render them irreparable.

As a first step, the public is encouraged to donate their monthly government benefits to create a fund to tackle these environmental problems.

Since the government scrapped its subsidies on energy and food staples, it has been distributing monthly benefits to all households to cushion the subsequent rise in prices.

The artists propose the establishment of a transparent program run by trustworthy experts and grassroots organizations that would consistently inform the public of its activities.

A copy of the letter, with signatories such as Rakhshan Bani-Etemad, Daryoosh Mehrjui, Homayoon Shajarian and Mashallah Shamsolvaezin, has also been sent to Massoumeh Ebtekar, the head of Iran’s Department of the Environment.

Radio Zamaneh