Iran's Sivand dam flooding, will drown archaeological site
TEHRAN -- A new dam is due to open in southern Iran amid criticism it will flood an ancient site holding archaeological relics dating back 7,000 years.
The government says the Sivand dam in the Bolaghi gorge is needed by farmers in an area that has become desert.
Heritage activists have appealed to the president to postpone the flooding by some years so excavation can continue.
Archaeologists have discovered ancient wine making vessels, clay kilns and prehistoric caves in the area.
Many relics have been removed to be placed in a museum, but the site itself will be flooded which conservationists argue will be a huge loss.
But the government's going ahead with the inauguration of the dam because farmers in the area desperately need water for irrigation.
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The government says the Sivand dam in the Bolaghi gorge is needed by farmers in an area that has become desert.
Heritage activists have appealed to the president to postpone the flooding by some years so excavation can continue.
Archaeologists have discovered ancient wine making vessels, clay kilns and prehistoric caves in the area.
Many relics have been removed to be placed in a museum, but the site itself will be flooded which conservationists argue will be a huge loss.
But the government's going ahead with the inauguration of the dam because farmers in the area desperately need water for irrigation.