200 watershed management projects to be implemented this year
TEHRAN – In the current Iranian year (started March 21, 2005), some 200 watershed management projects will be implemented this year across the country.
“A total of Rls.306b will be allocated to carry out these projects,” said an official in the Forest and Range Organization. “Watershed preservation should be considered as one of the key areas when we discuss natural resources issues.” Such projects are mainly aimed to reduce the losses caused by floods, soil erosion and drought. “They will also reduce deposition in dam reservoirs,” the official stated.
IDRO’s oil subsidiary set-up agreement to be signed
TEHRAN – An agreement that will mean a license for establishing Industrial Development and Renovation Organization (IDRO) of Iran’s oil subsidiary is about to be signed, said an IDRO official on Wednesday.
“We are negotiating over the issue with the Oil Ministry,” added Mostafa Karbalaii. “The usual process of talks has been stopped since the new government took office. The license is expected to be issued soon because IDRO’s oil company should develop 21st and 22nd phases of the South Pars Project through a buyback contract, he uttered. The new venture’s working capital reaches Rls.500b. “IDRO is now looking for a highly capable foreign partner that could help the organization’s oil subsidiary in projects,” Karbalaii stated.
Iranian researchers make light concrete from nuclear wastes
TEHRAN – A team of Iranian and British researchers have made light concrete from nuclear wastes, said chairman of Tehran’s first International Congress on Earthquake and Lightweight Construction.
“Today, any nation seeks to make use of peaceful nuclear technology and produce multipurpose materials,” stated Dr. Hamid Vosughi, “Therefore, resolving the problem of harmful radiation, which is widely seen in nuclear wastes, will be very significant.” He added that in this certain type of concrete, the radiation level has considerably decreased. “In addition, light concrete is as durable as concrete while much lighter,” Vosughi observed.
Solar boat made in Iran
ISFAHAN – A solar boat was made and successfully tested by Iranian researchers in a pool at the University of Isfahan.
Three years ago, researchers from Kordestan University teamed up with their colleagues at Isfahan University to make the boat upon an order from Marivan Municipality. The solar boat, which works with two DC engines and several photovoltaic cells, will be launched in Zarivar Lake in Marivan.
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MNA