PM Barzani Chairs Meeting on Air Quality Problem in Erbil, Duhok

The Prime Minister emphasized that "protecting public health, Kurdistan's environment, and resolving air pollution issues are top priorities for our government."

The photo shows the meeting chaired by PM Masrour Barzani with delegations from Erbil and Duhok. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
The photo shows the meeting chaired by PM Masrour Barzani with delegations from Erbil and Duhok. (Photo: Kurdistan24)

Jan. 12, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region’s Prime Minister Masrour Barzani chaired a special session on Sunday, focusing on highlighting poor air quality conditions in the cities of Erbil and Duhok, resulting in the implementation of immediate environmental protection measures.

Prime Minister Barzani underscored the vital role of environmental protection in the KRG's agenda at the meeting, stating, "Environmental protection signifies a central component of our government's program. Preserving Kurdistan's natural beauty and environmental integrity must be our collective responsibility."

The Prime Minister emphasized that "protecting public health, Kurdistan's environment, and resolving air pollution issues are top priorities for our government."

He instructed relevant authorities to implement essential measures against pollution sources and enforce penalties for violations.

Key Decisions Announced:

1- Immediate Regulatory Enforcement:

  • Effective immediately, refineries and factories operating outside environmental guidelines face legal action.
  • Strict monitoring of industrial operations to ensure compliance with environmental standards

2- Fuel Quality Controls:

  • Ban on production and illegal importation of substandard vehicle fuel
  • New restrictions on associated gas flaring in oil fields to reduce emissions

3- Power Generation Regulations:

  • Mandatory installation of noise and pollution filters for private generators
  • Legal consequences for non-compliance with government directives

4- Water Quality Protection:

  • Strict prohibition on using contaminated water and sewage for irrigation of agricultural products

This initiative comes against the backdrop of rising concerns about air quality in Kurdistan's major urban centers, particularly in Erbil and Duhok, where rapid industrialization and urban development have contributed to growing environmental challenges.

The new measures embody the most wide-ranging environmental protection framework implemented by the KRG to date, reflecting an improved focus on sustainable development and public health protection in the region's growing urban centers.

Implementation of these measures will be monitored by relevant government agencies, with regular assessment of their effectiveness in improving air quality and overall environmental conditions in the affected cities.