The Iranian Society of Landscape Professionals has criticized the prohibition of grass planting in the capital as a move that would have negative effects on the aesthetic view of urban areas.
ISLAP's objection came after the recent directive by the urban services department of Tehran Municipality that banned grass planting in a bid to alleviate fresh water consumption.
According to the directive, planting of grass in parks and green spaces of the capital's 22 districts has been banned. The new rule, according to experts at the society, is an escape way out of the problems, not a solution, ISNA reported.
"Grass is a core element in designing urban landscapes and is almost indispensible. Instead of total restrictions, modern technologies and modified seeds can be used to make the work economically viable."
The municipal officials claimed that the rule is aimed at reducing the high costs of green space development as well as water consumption. It requires that other plants species, which require less water, including trees that are resistant to pests and are compatible with the city's climate, be used as alternatives.
However, the ISLAP has emphasized, in a written notice, that water scarcity is not a new issue in Iran and cannot be solved with rash decisions, although they might seem logical.
"It has been over two decades that fresh water has become a problem in the country; however, taking such abrupt measures only means that water and irrigation systems have not been properly managed so far. Smart irrigation is needed to water the green spaces in a metropolis, which has never been properly practiced in Tehran," the notice reads.
ISLAP criticized the urban beautification contractors for not specializing in their professions which leads to unsustainable use of resources. Labeling the directive as a stopgap and an inefficient solution, the society called on municipal officials to collaborate with professionals to gradually modify green space management strategies in Tehran using modern techniques.
