In a bid to tackle the worsening air pollution crisis in Baghdad, the Iraqi government has shut down 144 unlicensed metal smelting plants. This decisive measure aims to reduce the capital's pollution, which has increasingly threatened public health and raised alarm among residents and environmental groups.

According to data from the Ministry of Environment, Baghdad has recently seen a surge in toxic smoke, leading to severe health risks and highlighting the need for stronger environmental policies. Loui Sadiq Al-Mukhtar, the ministry's spokesperson, stated that pollution in the capital has worsened due to emissions from industries using unclean fuels and the sharp rise in the number of vehicles. Illegal operations, including unregulated smelting and waste burning, have also significantly contributed to the problem.

Swift and Effective Measures

“The government, along with the Ministry of Environment, has implemented swift and effective measures that have already reduced pollution levels,” Al-Mukhtar said. He emphasized the hope for sustained efforts to improve air quality in Baghdad, where smog and a heavy concentration of fine particles have impacted daily life.

As part of the government’s crackdown, Environmental Police, Civil Defense, and Baghdad Operations carried out 364 site inspections in Baghdad and other regions. They issued 28 warnings to non-compliant locations, shut down multiple illegal cement factories, and tightened controls on landfill sites to prevent waste burning, which also worsens air quality.

Prime Minister Leads Coordinated Response

The environmental crisis has reached the highest levels of government. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has tasked a multi-agency committee to tackle the issue. This committee has issued urgent recommendations, many of which the Cabinet has already approved. While some solutions are quick to implement, others will require more time.

Al-Mukhtar noted that despite recent improvements, Baghdad still experiences short periods of intense pollution, particularly in the evening and early morning when smoke clouds and sulfuric smells fill the air. For those with respiratory conditions, this can make breathing even more difficult.

A Broader Environmental Challenge

The air quality in Baghdad remains critical, and Iraq faces a broader environmental challenge. According to a recent Air Quality Index report, 39 out of Iraq’s 50 regions are among the most polluted in the Middle East and North Africa. The World Bank reported that, as of 2018, 47% of Iraq’s natural forests have been destroyed, and 2.4 million hectares of land are now unusable due to war and landmines, factors that continue to contribute to high emission levels.

To address the situation, Al-Mukhtar stressed that the government must enforce environmental laws and mandate that all sectors adopt best practices for emission control. New restrictions on vehicle registration and enhanced public transportation are also part of the government’s plan to improve Baghdad's air quality.

According to the World Health Organization, the amount of particulate matter in the air should not exceed 5 micrograms per cubic meter, but readings in Baghdad show levels 15 times higher than the global standard.

With these new measures, Iraq’s leaders aim to make a tangible difference in the lives of Baghdad's residents and pave the way for a cleaner, healthier future.