ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Lake Nilufar, once one of the most scenic natural sites in western Iran (Rojhelat), has completely dried up during a drought in Kermanshah province, devastating local tourism and livelihoods. Nilufar Spring Lake, located about 20 kilometers northwest of Kermanshah city, was long regarded as a symbol of beauty, freshness, and tranquility. For years, its clear waters and blooming lilies drew visitors from across the region. “Around five months ago, I came here with my wife. It was a very beautiful place, full of water and beauty,” Aram Kamangar, a tourist from Sanandaj, told Rudaw. “A lot of people came here for picnicking and tourism. There were more than 20 people working here with markets and canoes on the water. Unfortunately, this is all gone. The water has dried up, as you can see,” he said. The once vibrant lake has now turned into a barren stretch of cracked earth, its lilies vanished, and the animals that relied on it have disappeared. The loss of water has left many local residents without jobs or income. “This supermarket used to be so busy that there was no room because of the customers. Now there is no one to buy anything, because no one comes here for picnics or to have a good time. Today, there were some travellers who came and asked me where the water is. And I told them there is no water anymore,” said Mohsen Kalantari, a shop owner near Nilufar. He blamed the disappearance of the lake on overuse of water for agriculture. “They have put water pumps on all the rivers and springs and used them for farming. Now water isn’t getting here. There isn’t even enough water for us. It has turned into hell,” he said. Nilufar Spring was officially added to Iran’s National Heritage List in 2008. Iran, in its fifth year of drought, is suffering with severe water shortages across the country.
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
