Baghdad – INA
The Ministry of Environment announced on Sunday a three-point plan aimed at reducing pollution levels in Baghdad, while confirming the continuation of its inspection campaigns to curb sources of pollution across the capital.
Sinnan Jaafar, Director General of Environment Protection and Improvement for the Central Region, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA) that “joint inspection campaigns in Baghdad are ongoing to remove environmental violations and limit sources of pollution, in coordination with the relevant security and municipal authorities.”
He added that “joint teams, in cooperation with Baghdad Operations Command and municipal departments, succeeded in shutting down and removing more than 22 illegal metal-smelting sites (‘kour’ furnaces) on the Rusafa side of the city.”
He noted that “these sites were responsible for emitting harmful gases and odors that directly affected the environment and public health.”
Jaafar explained that “the measures are being implemented as part of the work of the committee established under the Diwani Order, which is tasked with monitoring and auditing unlicensed factories, workshops, and metal-smelting sites.”
He stressed that “the Ministry of Environment continues to carry out intensive and specialized field campaigns as a proactive effort to prevent violations that contribute to air pollution crises, monitor environmental infractions, and take legal action against offenders.”
He further stated that “the ministry is working to strengthen cooperation with various government institutions to reduce environmental pollution and improve environmental conditions in Baghdad, in a way that contributes to protecting public health and preserving the environment.”
