With the continued 'red' air pollution status in Tehran and several major cities in Iran on Wednesday, January 9, the odd-even traffic plan was implemented in Tehran, and kindergartens, preschool centers, and elementary schools in this city and in Isfahan, Tabriz, Arak, and Karaj were closed. According to the state news agency IRNA, Mohammad Rostegari, the deputy for monitoring at the Tehran Environmental Protection Organization, reported that on Wednesday, 'the concentration of particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns in the air' increased by two numbers compared to Tuesday, reaching 159. Based on the 'health significance level of the air quality index,' the level of these particles was declared to be in the range of 101 to 150, 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' (orange) and in the range of 151 to 200, 'unhealthy' (red). Due to the continued air pollution, an emergency pollution committee meeting was held at the Tehran governorate last Saturday and Sunday, leading to the cancellation of physical education classes in all schools and outdoor sports competitions, including the Premier League football matches in the capital. Meanwhile, Tavhid Seyf Barqi, the head of the medical committee of the Football Federation, announced the cancellation of all football matches in Tehran province on Wednesday. Additionally, according to the Tehran air pollution emergency committee's resolution, the odd-even traffic plan for vehicles began on Wednesday in Tehran. Meanwhile, IRNA reported that the air quality index in major industrial cities such as Arak, Tabriz, Isfahan, Karaj, and Mashhad has been in 'unhealthy and sometimes near warning' conditions due to the increase in '2.5-micron suspended particles' over the past few days. For instance, the average index in Isfahan on Wednesday was recorded at 163, indicating 'unhealthy for the general public' (red). Hamid Qasemi, the director of the Environmental Protection Department of East Azerbaijan, also reported that according to the latest statistics, the air pollution index for '2.5-micron suspended particles' in this city is 150 (red status). Meanwhile, the crisis management headquarters of East Azerbaijan declared kindergartens and elementary schools in Tabriz closed on Wednesday due to the continued air pollution. The Isfahan Air Pollution Information Coordination Center also issued a statement announcing the closure of elementary schools in Isfahan and several counties in the province due to increased air pollutant concentrations. Elementary schools and preschool centers in Arak and Karaj were also declared closed on Wednesday. In recent days, several members of parliament and conservative media have severely criticized the government of Hassan Rouhani, especially Masoumeh Ebtekar, the head of the Environmental Protection Organization, regarding the air pollution issue, and 106 members of parliament also cautioned President Rouhani about this matter last Tuesday. Meanwhile, Masoumeh Ebtekar announced on Wednesday that Ali Larijani, the Speaker of Parliament, promised to urgently review the 'Clean Air' bill in a public session of the parliament. According to environmental officials, the bill increases penalties for air pollution in some cases by up to three times. If this bill is passed, Iranian automakers will be required to produce their vehicles according to Euro 4 standards, and the validity period for vehicle technical inspections will be reduced from five years to three years.
Continued Air Pollution in Major Cities: Schools Closed Again
Air pollution levels in Tehran and several major cities have reached critical levels, prompting the closure of schools and the implementation of traffic restrictions. The government faces increasing criticism over its handling of the pollution crisis, and a new bill aimed at improving air quality is under consideration. This situation highlights ongoing environmental challenges in Iran and the government's response to public health concerns.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Air pollution levels in Tehran and other major cities have reached critical levels, leading to school closures and traffic restrictions. The government is facing increasing criticism and is considering a new bill to improve air quality.
- Air quality index in Tehran reached 159, classified as 'unhealthy'.
- Schools in multiple cities, including Isfahan and Tabriz, were closed due to pollution.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has long struggled with air pollution due to industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and geographical factors. The government's response to these challenges has been criticized for being inadequate.
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