Iconic lake in western Iran dries up amid worsening water shortages

A file photo of Sarab Niloufar lake in Kermanshah province in 2011
A file photo of Sarab Niloufar lake in Kermanshah province in 2011

The Sarab Niloufar spring, one of western Iran’s most iconic natural landmarks, has dried up, local environmental officials said, warning that years of groundwater depletion, unregulated farming and drought have destroyed the 25-meter-deep lake once covered in lotus flowers.