Qaleh Bala’s Historic Water Reservoir Revived to Support Asiatic Cheetah Conservation
The Head of the Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Shahrud County has announced the restoration and rehabilitation of the historic water reservoir in Qaleh Bala, an initiative aimed at supporting water management, combating drought, and contributing to the conservation of the Asiatic cheetah.
Seyed Mohammad-Sadegh Razvian said on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, that the restoration of Qaleh Bala’s old water reservoir had not only revived an important historic structure but also provided a practical approach to addressing drought and supporting endangered wildlife species, particularly the Asiatic cheetah.
Referring to the scope of the project, the official explained that the restoration of the historic structure was carried out by the Sarvin Institute in close cooperation with the management of Touran National Park and with the active support of the residents of Qaleh Bala. Traditional and authentic restoration techniques were used throughout the project in order to preserve the character and heritage value of the structure.
He explained that the primary objective was to manage excess qanat water intelligently and store it within the village’s historic water infrastructure. This approach has now become operational.
Highlighting the project’s environmental significance, Razvian stated that the reservoir currently holds 12,000 liters of water. During critical dry periods and droughts, this stored water will serve as a strategic resource for supplying wildlife watering points, particularly supporting the survival of the Asiatic cheetah within its natural habitat.
The initiative demonstrates how traditional architectural heritage can be directly connected to the conservation of natural heritage, creating a practical link between cultural preservation, water management, and wildlife protection.
Looking toward the long-term potential of this collaboration, the Head of the Department of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Shahrud County emphasized that the ultimate goal extends beyond restoring a single historic structure.
Building on the success of this initiative, the authorities plan to establish an educational and research center in Qaleh Bala, focusing on sustainable agriculture and on engaging local communities in the conservation of natural heritage and wildlife.
According to Razvian, the proposed center could become a new model for managing sensitive habitats across Semnan Province—bringing together traditional knowledge, sustainable rural development, community participation, and wildlife conservation.