ERBIL — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani chaired a special meeting of the Council of Ministers on Sunday to address air pollution in Erbil and Duhok, directing swift action to protect public health and the environment.
Prime Minister Barzani emphasized that environmental protection is a cornerstone of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) agenda, describing it as a national duty and collective responsibility. “Preserving Kurdistan’s environment and natural beauty is a priority for this government,” he said.
During the meeting, the prime minister identified air pollution as an urgent challenge and instructed government authorities to take immediate measures to tackle its causes and penalize violators.
The council adopted several decisions, including:
1. Legal action against refineries and factories that breach environmental regulations.
2. A ban on the production and smuggling of polluting vehicle fuels and measures to halt gas flaring at oil fields.
3. Mandatory compliance by generator owners with government guidelines, including installing sound filters and reducing emissions, with penalties for non-compliance.
4. A strict prohibition on using polluted water or wastewater for irrigating vegetables.
The meeting reflects the KRG’s commitment to ensuring the health of its citizens and safeguarding the region’s environment, the prime minister noted.
