Lake Van was once one of the world 's largest lakes . Over the last 20 years it has almost completely dried up . Last month , he agreed to spend $ 500 million in the first year alone of a ten-year recovery plan ( the total bill is $ 5 billion ) . Iran 's water crisis puts society , the economy and public health at risk . President Rouhani has committed $ 5 billion to draining the lake .
Lake Van was once one of the world 's largest lakes . Over the last 20 years it has almost completely dried up . Iran 's water crisis puts society , the economy and public health at risk . President Rouhani has committed $ 5 billion to draining the lake .