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Water Crisis Impacts Aquaculture In Taq Taq - Iraq

TAQ TAQ, Kurdistan Region The escalating water crisis in the Kurdistan Region has transcended the threat to potable water, now systematically dismantling one of the region’s most vital economic pillars: the aquaculture and fish farming sector. In Taq Taq district, a cornerstone of the region's fish production, the plummeting water levels of the Lesser Zab River have triggered a catastrophic die-off of millions of fish, inflicting millions of dollars in losses on investors. An Economic and Environmental Catastrophe The upstream damming of the Lesser Zab’s headwaters by Iran, compounded by the severe impacts of climate change, has caused oxygen levels in Kurdistan’s aquaculture projects to drop to lethal levels. Consequently, farm owners are not only losing their livestock but are also witnessing the erosion of thousands of jobs that rely on this sector. Erosion of Food Security Economic analysts warn that the collapse of fish farming in Taq Taq and its surroundings will have immediate repercussions on the broa

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Water Crisis Impacts Aquaculture In Taq Taq - Iraq

TAQ TAQ, Kurdistan Region The escalating water crisis in the Kurdistan Region has transcended the threat to potable water, now systematically dismantling one of the region’s most vital economic pillars: the aquaculture and fish farming sector. In Taq Taq district, a cornerstone of the region's fish production, the plummeting water levels of the Lesser Zab River have triggered a catastrophic die-off of millions of fish, inflicting millions of dollars in losses on investors. An Economic and Environmental Catastrophe The upstream damming of the Lesser Zab’s headwaters by Iran, compounded by the severe impacts of climate change, has caused oxygen levels in Kurdistan’s aquaculture projects to drop to lethal levels. Consequently, farm owners are not only losing their livestock but are also witnessing the erosion of thousands of jobs that rely on this sector. Erosion of Food Security Economic analysts warn that the collapse of fish farming in Taq Taq and its surroundings will have immediate repercussions on the broa

E

Water Crisis Impacts Aquaculture In Taq Taq - Iraq

TAQ TAQ, Kurdistan Region The escalating water crisis in the Kurdistan Region has transcended the threat to potable water, now systematically dismantling one of the region’s most vital economic pillars: the aquaculture and fish farming sector. In Taq Taq district, a cornerstone of the region's fish production, the plummeting water levels of the Lesser Zab River have triggered a catastrophic die-off of millions of fish, inflicting millions of dollars in losses on investors. An Economic and Environmental Catastrophe The upstream damming of the Lesser Zab’s headwaters by Iran, compounded by the severe impacts of climate change, has caused oxygen levels in Kurdistan’s aquaculture projects to drop to lethal levels. Consequently, farm owners are not only losing their livestock but are also witnessing the erosion of thousands of jobs that rely on this sector. Erosion of Food Security Economic analysts warn that the collapse of fish farming in Taq Taq and its surroundings will have immediate repercussions on the broa

E

Water Crisis Impacts Aquaculture In Taq Taq - Iraq

TAQ TAQ, Kurdistan Region The escalating water crisis in the Kurdistan Region has transcended the threat to potable water, now systematically dismantling one of the region’s most vital economic pillars: the aquaculture and fish farming sector. In Taq Taq district, a cornerstone of the region's fish production, the plummeting water levels of the Lesser Zab River have triggered a catastrophic die-off of millions of fish, inflicting millions of dollars in losses on investors. An Economic and Environmental Catastrophe The upstream damming of the Lesser Zab’s headwaters by Iran, compounded by the severe impacts of climate change, has caused oxygen levels in Kurdistan’s aquaculture projects to drop to lethal levels. Consequently, farm owners are not only losing their livestock but are also witnessing the erosion of thousands of jobs that rely on this sector. Erosion of Food Security Economic analysts warn that the collapse of fish farming in Taq Taq and its surroundings will have immediate repercussions on the broa

E

Water Crisis Impacts Aquaculture In Taq Taq - Iraq

TAQ TAQ, Kurdistan Region The escalating water crisis in the Kurdistan Region has transcended the threat to potable water, now systematically dismantling one of the region’s most vital economic pillars: the aquaculture and fish farming sector. In Taq Taq district, a cornerstone of the region's fish production, the plummeting water levels of the Lesser Zab River have triggered a catastrophic die-off of millions of fish, inflicting millions of dollars in losses on investors. An Economic and Environmental Catastrophe The upstream damming of the Lesser Zab’s headwaters by Iran, compounded by the severe impacts of climate change, has caused oxygen levels in Kurdistan’s aquaculture projects to drop to lethal levels. Consequently, farm owners are not only losing their livestock but are also witnessing the erosion of thousands of jobs that rely on this sector. Erosion of Food Security Economic analysts warn that the collapse of fish farming in Taq Taq and its surroundings will have immediate repercussions on the broa

E

Water Crisis Impacts Aquaculture In Taq Taq - Iraq

TAQ TAQ, Kurdistan Region The escalating water crisis in the Kurdistan Region has transcended the threat to potable water, now systematically dismantling one of the region’s most vital economic pillars: the aquaculture and fish farming sector. In Taq Taq district, a cornerstone of the region's fish production, the plummeting water levels of the Lesser Zab River have triggered a catastrophic die-off of millions of fish, inflicting millions of dollars in losses on investors. An Economic and Environmental Catastrophe The upstream damming of the Lesser Zab’s headwaters by Iran, compounded by the severe impacts of climate change, has caused oxygen levels in Kurdistan’s aquaculture projects to drop to lethal levels. Consequently, farm owners are not only losing their livestock but are also witnessing the erosion of thousands of jobs that rely on this sector. Erosion of Food Security Economic analysts warn that the collapse of fish farming in Taq Taq and its surroundings will have immediate repercussions on the broa

E

Water Crisis Impacts Aquaculture In Taq Taq - Iraq

TAQ TAQ, Kurdistan Region The escalating water crisis in the Kurdistan Region has transcended the threat to potable water, now systematically dismantling one of the region’s most vital economic pillars: the aquaculture and fish farming sector. In Taq Taq district, a cornerstone of the region's fish production, the plummeting water levels of the Lesser Zab River have triggered a catastrophic die-off of millions of fish, inflicting millions of dollars in losses on investors. An Economic and Environmental Catastrophe The upstream damming of the Lesser Zab’s headwaters by Iran, compounded by the severe impacts of climate change, has caused oxygen levels in Kurdistan’s aquaculture projects to drop to lethal levels. Consequently, farm owners are not only losing their livestock but are also witnessing the erosion of thousands of jobs that rely on this sector. Erosion of Food Security Economic analysts warn that the collapse of fish farming in Taq Taq and its surroundings will have immediate repercussions on the broa

E

Water Crisis Impacts Aquaculture In Taq Taq - Iraq

TAQ TAQ, Kurdistan Region The escalating water crisis in the Kurdistan Region has transcended the threat to potable water, now systematically dismantling one of the region’s most vital economic pillars: the aquaculture and fish farming sector. In Taq Taq district, a cornerstone of the region's fish production, the plummeting water levels of the Lesser Zab River have triggered a catastrophic die-off of millions of fish, inflicting millions of dollars in losses on investors. An Economic and Environmental Catastrophe The upstream damming of the Lesser Zab’s headwaters by Iran, compounded by the severe impacts of climate change, has caused oxygen levels in Kurdistan’s aquaculture projects to drop to lethal levels. Consequently, farm owners are not only losing their livestock but are also witnessing the erosion of thousands of jobs that rely on this sector. Erosion of Food Security Economic analysts warn that the collapse of fish farming in Taq Taq and its surroundings will have immediate repercussions on the broa

E

Drinking Water Crisis in Bangladesh

Deep tube-well pipe lines in Bakalia area. Most local tube-wells are saline or iron-contaminated, For drinking water, people rely on limited rainwater and private motor pumps. on November 6, 2025 in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Photo by Md Rafayat Haque Khan/ Eyepix Group/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drinking Water Crisis in Bangladesh

A woman collects water from a deep tube-well in Bakalia area. Most local tube-wells are saline or iron-contaminated, For drinking water, people rely on limited rainwater and private motor pumps. on November 6, 2025 in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Photo by Md Rafayat Haque Khan/ Eyepix Group/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drinking Water Crisis in Bangladesh

A woman collects water from a deep tube-well in Bakalia area. Most local tube-wells are saline or iron-contaminated, For drinking water, people rely on limited rainwater and private motor pumps. on November 6, 2025 in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Photo by Md Rafayat Haque Khan/ Eyepix Group/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drinking Water Crisis in Bangladesh

A woman collects water from a deep tube-well in Bakalia area. Most local tube-wells are saline or iron-contaminated, For drinking water, people rely on limited rainwater and private motor pumps. on November 6, 2025 in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Photo by Md Rafayat Haque Khan/ Eyepix Group/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drinking Water Crisis in Bangladesh

A woman washes household crockeries using water from a tube well in Bakalia.. Most local tube-wells are saline or iron-contaminated, For drinking water, people rely on limited rainwater and private motor pumps. on November 6, 2025 in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Photo by Md Rafayat Haque Khan/ Eyepix Group/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drinking Water Crisis in Bangladesh

A man carry a large pot collect water from a deep tube-well in Bakalia area. Most local tube-wells are saline or iron-contaminated, For drinking water, people rely on limited rainwater and private motor pumps. on November 6, 2025 in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Photo by Md Rafayat Haque Khan/ Eyepix Group/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drinking Water Crisis in Bangladesh

A man is washing cloths in the beside a tube-well in Bakalia area. Most local tube-wells are saline or iron-contaminated, For drinking water, people rely on limited rainwater and private motor pumps. on November 6, 2025 in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Photo by Md Rafayat Haque Khan/ Eyepix Group/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drinking Water Crisis in Bangladesh

A woman is waiting to collect water for drinking in Bakalia area. Most local tube-wells are saline or iron-contaminated, For drinking water, people rely on limited rainwater and private motor pumps. on November 6, 2025 in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Photo by Md Rafayat Haque Khan/ Eyepix Group/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drinking Water Crisis in Bangladesh

A woman washes household crockeries using water from a tube well in Bakalia.. Most local tube-wells are saline or iron-contaminated, For drinking water, people rely on limited rainwater and private motor pumps. on November 6, 2025 in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Photo by Md Rafayat Haque Khan/ Eyepix Group/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drinking Water Crisis in Bangladesh

An aged locals showing the Rain water he preserved from drinking in the Bakalia area of Chattogram city. Most local tube-wells are saline or iron-contaminated, For drinking water, people rely on limited rainwater and private motor pumps. on November 6, 2025 in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Photo by Md Rafayat Haque Khan/ Eyepix Group/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drinking Water Crisis in Bangladesh

A dealer shop is refilling the water container for sale in the locals of Bakalia area of Chattogram city. Most local tube-wells are saline or iron-contaminated, For drinking water, people rely on limited rainwater and private motor pumps. on November 6, 2025 in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Photo by Md Rafayat Haque Khan/ Eyepix Group/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Water Crisis in Gaza

Palestinians queue in the Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City, to fill up on water, October 28, 2025. Palestinians may have to wait hours for a small amount of water, which is largely unavailable due to damage to water networks caused by Israeli bombing during the war. Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Water Crisis in Gaza

A Palestinian fetches water in the Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City, October 28, 2025. Palestinians may have to wait hours for a small amount of water, which is largely unavailable due to damage to water networks caused by Israeli bombing during the war. Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Water Crisis in Gaza

Palestinians fetch water in the Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City, October 28, 2025. Palestinians may have to wait hours for a small amount of water, which is largely unavailable due to damage to water networks caused by Israeli bombing during the war. Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Water Crisis in Gaza

Palestinians queue in the Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City, to fill up on water, October 28, 2025. Palestinians may have to wait hours for a small amount of water, which is largely unavailable due to damage to water networks caused by Israeli bombing during the war. Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

Cracked earth lines the edge of the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A view of the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

Cracked earth lines the edge of the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A rifle lies on the cracked ground of the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A discarded object is seen on the dried bed of the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A spent shotgun shell rests on cracked soil at the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A view of the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A view of the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A park ranger walks near the edge of the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A narrow stream of water runs through the parched expanse of Eshtehard Wetland in Alborz Province, on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

Footprints mark the dry surface of the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A small patch of water remains in the parched Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A spent shotgun shell rests on cracked soil at the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A narrow stream of water runs through the parched expanse of Eshtehard Wetland in Alborz Province, on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A park ranger walks near the edge of the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

Cracked earth lines the edge of the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A narrow stream of water runs through the parched expanse of Eshtehard Wetland in Alborz Province, on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A narrow stream of water runs through the parched expanse of Eshtehard Wetland in Alborz Province, on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A dry bush stands on the cracked surface of the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A narrow stream of water runs through the parched expanse of Eshtehard Wetland in Alborz Province, on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

Mountains rise in the distance beyond the dry Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A narrow stream of water runs through the parched expanse of Eshtehard Wetland in Alborz Province, on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

E

Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A narrow stream of water runs through the parched expanse of Eshtehard Wetland in Alborz Province, on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Environmental Pollution In Bangladesh

October 02, 2025, Dhaka, Bangladesh: The rivers and canals around Dhaka were once vital sanctuaries of biodiversity. Countless fish swam in their waters, serving as the main food source for fish-eating birds. But now that scene belongs to the past. What was once clear water is now occupied by heaps of garbage. Plastic, polythene, industrial waste, and household trash have severely polluted the water. Faced with a food crisis, fish-eating egrets are being forced to search for food in these piles of waste. Their natural food—fish—is no longer easily available, compelling them to look for alternatives. In Bangladesh, the filling up of rivers and wetlands, illegal encroachment, and plastic pollution together are pushing aquatic ecosystems towards destruction. These wetlands once provided shelter to thousands of native and migratory birds. But in recent years, their numbers have sharply declined. From the haors to Dhaka’s Turag and Balu rivers and other wetlands, the picture is the same: encroachment, landfilling,

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Environmental Pollution In Bangladesh

October 02, 2025, Dhaka, Bangladesh: The rivers and canals around Dhaka were once vital sanctuaries of biodiversity. Countless fish swam in their waters, serving as the main food source for fish-eating birds. But now that scene belongs to the past. What was once clear water is now occupied by heaps of garbage. Plastic, polythene, industrial waste, and household trash have severely polluted the water. Faced with a food crisis, fish-eating egrets are being forced to search for food in these piles of waste. Their natural food—fish—is no longer easily available, compelling them to look for alternatives. In Bangladesh, the filling up of rivers and wetlands, illegal encroachment, and plastic pollution together are pushing aquatic ecosystems towards destruction. These wetlands once provided shelter to thousands of native and migratory birds. But in recent years, their numbers have sharply declined. From the haors to Dhaka’s Turag and Balu rivers and other wetlands, the picture is the same: encroachment, landfilling,

E

Environmental Pollution In Bangladesh

October 02, 2025, Dhaka, Bangladesh: The rivers and canals around Dhaka were once vital sanctuaries of biodiversity. Countless fish swam in their waters, serving as the main food source for fish-eating birds. But now that scene belongs to the past. What was once clear water is now occupied by heaps of garbage. Plastic, polythene, industrial waste, and household trash have severely polluted the water. Faced with a food crisis, fish-eating egrets are being forced to search for food in these piles of waste. Their natural food—fish—is no longer easily available, compelling them to look for alternatives. In Bangladesh, the filling up of rivers and wetlands, illegal encroachment, and plastic pollution together are pushing aquatic ecosystems towards destruction. These wetlands once provided shelter to thousands of native and migratory birds. But in recent years, their numbers have sharply declined. From the haors to Dhaka’s Turag and Balu rivers and other wetlands, the picture is the same: encroachment, landfilling,

E

Environmental Pollution In Bangladesh

October 02, 2025, Dhaka, Bangladesh: The rivers and canals around Dhaka were once vital sanctuaries of biodiversity. Countless fish swam in their waters, serving as the main food source for fish-eating birds. But now that scene belongs to the past. What was once clear water is now occupied by heaps of garbage. Plastic, polythene, industrial waste, and household trash have severely polluted the water. Faced with a food crisis, fish-eating egrets are being forced to search for food in these piles of waste. Their natural food—fish—is no longer easily available, compelling them to look for alternatives. In Bangladesh, the filling up of rivers and wetlands, illegal encroachment, and plastic pollution together are pushing aquatic ecosystems towards destruction. These wetlands once provided shelter to thousands of native and migratory birds. But in recent years, their numbers have sharply declined. From the haors to Dhaka’s Turag and Balu rivers and other wetlands, the picture is the same: encroachment, landfilling,