Air Pollution in Iran Continues; Some Elementary Schools and Kindergartens Closed

Air pollution in several cities in Iran, including the provinces of Tehran, Alborz, Khuzestan, Semnan, Markazi, East Azerbaijan, and Qazvin, continues, with 'red and orange' status leading to the closure of educational centers for certain grades. According to Mohammad Gharavi, the Deputy for Urban Affairs Coordination of Tehran Province, on Tuesday, January 2, due to the 'intensification and persistence of air pollution and the risk posed to citizens', the Air Pollution Emergency Coordination Working Group approved the closure of 'kindergartens, preschools, and exceptional schools at all levels' on Wednesday, January 3. Based on this decision, on Wednesday, elementary schools in Tehran province will also be held 'remotely' in the morning and afternoon, 'except for Firuzkuh County'. On Monday, the air quality in Tehran was reported as 'red', and with the ongoing pollution, officials have urged citizens to refrain from outdoor sports activities. Additionally, the Iranian Air Quality Monitoring System reported that on Tuesday, the air quality in the cities of Ahvaz and Hendijan in Khuzestan province was 'unhealthy and red'. According to this system, the air quality in Susangerd, Shadgan, Shushtar, and Mahshahr in this province was also 'orange' and 'unhealthy for sensitive groups'. Another report from Semnan province indicated that the air quality in the center of this province was 'unhealthy' for sensitive groups. Mohammad Hamidi, Deputy Governor and Head of the Air Pollution Emergency Working Group in Semnan province, stated that 'the air pollution index in the cities of Garmsar and Shahroud is at an acceptable level, but in the city of Semnan, this index is unhealthy for sensitive groups', and 'holding competitions and the presence of athletes in outdoor spaces is prohibited'. Continuing air pollution in various cities has also reported a critical situation in Qazvin province. The Qazvin Education Department announced that classes in preschools and elementary schools in Abik County will be held 'remotely' on Wednesday due to 'air pollution'. According to IRNA, 'since the beginning of autumn, schools in Abik have been held remotely once due to air pollution'. Another report from the Environmental Pollution Monitoring Center of East Azerbaijan stated that on Tuesday, the air quality in the cities of Tabriz and Esko in this province was 'red and unhealthy for all groups', and this trend will continue until Friday. In Alborz province, Ahmad Afzali, Deputy for Urban Affairs Coordination, announced that due to 'air pollution', kindergartens and preschools will be closed on Wednesday, January 3, and elementary classes in all areas of this province will be 'remote, except for Taleqan County and Asara District', and classes in exceptional schools in this province will also be 'remote'. The Air Pollution Emergency Committee in Alborz province has also urged citizens to 'avoid outdoor presence and commuting alone in personal vehicles'. With the ongoing air pollution in various cities, citizens' protests regarding this issue have also added to various public demonstrations, and government forces are trying to prevent them. As reported by a video received by the Persian section of Voice of America, citizens in Arak held a protest against air pollution, but 'under pressure from officials', this gathering ended. In recent days, citizens in Ardakan County, Yazd province, have also gathered for several consecutive days in protest against air pollution. These gatherings prompted a warning from the representative of this city in the Islamic Consultative Assembly, who called for 'urgent attention to the air pollution situation' in this county. Mohammad Reza Dashti Ardakani stated in a verbal warning in the Parliament on Tuesday, January 2, that he has 'repeatedly' warned and questioned 'the relevant ministers regarding air pollution', but national and provincial officials have not paid attention to this issue. Previously, Maziar Sadri, a specialist in intensive care, told Voice of America that there is no appropriate structure in Iran to combat the air pollution crisis.