The head of biodiversity for the Department of the Environment reports that 40 wetland areas in Iran have partially or completely dried out.

IRNA reports that in 40 regions, the wetlands have dried out anywhere from 20 to 100 percent, and the main cause is the lack of effective management of water resources.

Agricultural development without adequate preliminary study is identified as the main culprit in the drying out of wetlands and swamps.

The desiccation of these wetlands has reportedly turned these regions into a source of dust particles causing serious air pollution.

The drying out of Lake Hamoon in the southeastern region of the country has caused serious air pollution, with dust particles from the lake bed being swept into the air.

Many cities in Iran have been plagued by dust particles in the past year, triggering shutdowns and widespread school and office closures.

Radio Zamaneh