Thousands of peaceful protesters gathered in several cities of South Azerbaijan (northeastern Iran), including Tabriz and Urmia, calling on the central government to act immediately to save the lake of Urmia.

Hundreds of riot police blocked major intersections in Tabriz, Urmiya and Khoy and harshly dispersed the protesters. 

Some of the demonstrators were reportedly injured during the police crackdown and about 30 protesters were detained.

The Lake Urmia, once the world`s largest salt lake, is drying up because of over 100 dams and reservoirs built on rivers feeding the lake.

According to environmental experts, the disappearance of Urmia lake will cause salt tsunamis, making the region inhabitable for humans and other mammals.

(http://southernazerbaijan.com)

Bakudaily.az