The Tehran Times reports on a persistent problem in Tehran, and how the nuclear deal may help clear it up:
The air quality indices [in Tehran] have surged up so much so that all healthy people are likely to experience irritation or discomfort while breathing as well as those with heart and lung condition. …
13 organizations in charge, none held accountable
[Eqbal Shakeri, head of urban development committee of Tehran City Council,] went on to say that some 13 organizations are in charge of dealing with air pollution but none has been held responsible so far.
“No one has ever bothered to apologize the public for the air pollution or even explain what’s happening,” he added.
80% of air pollution caused by cars, motorcycles
Shakeri also pointed out that some 80 percent of the air pollution is caused by cars and motorcycles.
“Following the implementation of the nuclear deal [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)] at least we expect the government to provide the country with some 1,000 wagons for the subway system, 400 buses, 20,000 taxis and electric motorcycles,” he added.
AL Monitor’s Changiz M. Varzi reports:
The geographical situation of the capital, which is surrounded by mountains, consumption of low-quality fuel because of international sanctions and industrial pollution have been declared the main reasons for the deaths of 412 citizens in the past 23 days, according to Habib Kashani, a member of Tehran’s municipal council.
On Nov. 15, Kashani accused Iran’s Environmental Protection Organization of “ineffectiveness” and “incompetence,” saying, “The government and the [Tehran] municipality have announced that they are not blameful on this issue. So sole blameful are people who are losing their lives!”
When air pollution is shutting down your schools, you’re endangering your future.
