LONDON, (CAIS) -- The ancient waterfalls of Shushtar have been polluted by sewage and sludge just about three weeks after it was registered on UNESCO World Heritage List as a part of an ancient water system. 

The sewage and sludge are being brought by the eight wastewater pipes poured into the water system in its path by the Islamic Republic Water and Sanitation Department, the Persian service of CHN reported on Sunday.

The wastewater was previously fouling the nearby environment, but the garbage and slush have recently added to the pollution. 

Seven of the pipes have allegedly been blocked and a Shushtar cultural heritage official said that they are trying to shut off the last one. 

The mass of refuse and sludge has created an unpleasant view of the site, which is frequently visited by tourists and the local people. 

The Shushtar water system was registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 33rd session of the World Heritage Committee in Seville, Spain on June 26. 

The waterworks comprises bridges, ponds, mills, aqueducts, reservoirs, tunnels, and canals, most of which were constructed in the Sasanian dynasty (224-651 CE), especially during the reign of Shapur I (241-272 CE). 

Some structures of the system date back to the Achaemenid dynastic period (550-330 BCE). 

A portion of the Gargar Bridge of the complex was destroyed last week as result of wastewater leakage and erosion.

 

 Extracted From/Source: Mehr News [*]