Impact of Migrants’ Departure on Energy Consumption and Essential Goods

TEHRAN (Iran News) In an interview with ILNA, Mohammad Sadegh Motamadian commented on the impact of Afghan migrants on Tehran’s water consumption, stating: “One of the programs launched by the 14th government at the national level and in Tehran Province is the organization and regulation of foreign nationals. Given that 50 percent of foreign nationals reside in Tehran Province, we have pursued this plan with seriousness.”

He emphasized that with strong cooperation from various law enforcement and supervisory bodies under the Law Enforcement Command (FARAJA), more than 500,000 people have been returned to their home countries through shared borders since the start of the plan. “This is a significant figure. These migrants returned in full observance of legal and religious requirements and with respect for human dignity,” he said.

Referring to the tangible impact of the Afghan population on public service capacity, the Governor of Tehran stated: “With the departure of this population, more than 3,000 classrooms were freed during the current academic year. Given the sizable number of people who left the country, there has certainly been an impact on water and electricity consumption as well.”

Motamadian added: “In the housing sector, the plan has also contributed to a reduction in rental prices. In areas where migrants had been present, we have seen rental price declines of around 30 to 35 percent. It has also had a noticeable impact on improving public security. In addition, there has been a reduction in demand for essential goods in various regions, with significant effects.”

He stressed that the plan is being implemented on an ongoing basis and clarified that its scope is limited solely to undocumented migrants.

Regarding water management for next summer, Motamadian said: “A set of measures is underway, including water transfer projects and efforts to reduce consumption through the installation of water-saving devices. The replacement of treated wastewater is also being implemented. Tehran Province produces nearly 52 percent of the country’s wastewater, but unfortunately it has not yet been fully substituted. As a result, some green spaces in different areas—especially in Tehran—are still irrigated using groundwater wells. We have plans in place to replace this with treated wastewater.”

The Governor of Tehran emphasized that excessive extraction from underground water tables and aquifers has serious environmental consequences. “The land subsidence phenomenon that we are currently facing in Tehran is directly linked to these issues,” he said.

He concluded: “With the set of programs that have been considered and the cooperation of all agencies, including Tehran Municipality, we hope there will be full compliance with the law so that instead of extracting more than 150 million cubic meters of water annually from wells to irrigate green spaces, treated wastewater will be used.”