Tehran: Reeling under a crisis due to water scarcity, overpopulation and power shortage, Iran is planning to shift its capital from Tehran to a city in the coastal Makran region and develop a sea-based economy, a government spokesperson has said.
“The new capital will certainly be in the south, specifically in the Makran region,” Fatemeh Mohajerani was quoted as saying by Tehran Times.
However, she noted that relocating the capital won’t be an immediate decision as it requires a thorough evaluation due to the rising population in the Tehran, leading to environmental challenges.
Mohajerani emphasised Tehran’s increasing ecological challenges, particularly water scarcity, and announced the establishment of two councils to assess the viability of the initiative and foster a sea-based economy in the Makran region.
Why Iran wants to shift capital from Tehran to Makran
The Makran region, situated in Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan Province, holds strategic importance due to its proximity to the Gulf of Oman. The area, considered an untapped asset, has the potential to become a major commercial and maritime hub, boosting Iran’s trade capabilities while alleviating economic pressure on Tehran.
“Iran’s government prioritises the development of Makran alongside sea-oriented initiatives,” stated Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref.
With historical significance dating back to the Achaemenid Empire, the Makran coast offers a unique opportunity for economic diversification. Spanning over 1,000 km of coastline, the region includes the Chabahar Free Trade-Industrial Zone, under development since 2003, which aims to establish an international trade corridor linking Central Asia to the Indian Ocean.
Challenges in Tehran
Tehran’s population is projected to increase by 20 million over the next 30 years, raising concerns about the city’s manageability, according to a report by the Iranian presidency.
Air pollution remains one of Tehran’s most pressing issues, with experts warning it has reached critical levels. In 2022, the Health Ministry reported 20,800 deaths nationwide due to air pollution, 6,400 of which occurred in Tehran.
Adding to the challenges, Tehran is situated in a high-risk earthquake zone, surrounded by active fault lines. Experts caution that a major earthquake could endanger millions of lives. Alarmingly, a 2021 statement from the Tehran municipality revealed that 60% of the city’s buildings fail to meet earthquake safety standards.
Compounding these issues, research by Iran’s Construction and Housing Research Center indicates that Tehran is sinking by an average of 25 cm (10 inches) annually.
