Erbil Governor issues stricter environmental protection guidelines to curb pollution

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – In response to rising air pollution concerns, Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw announced a series of important guidelines aimed at protecting the environment.

These measures will affect neighborhood generators, vehicles, stations, and both licensed and non-licensed refineries within Erbil province.

Governor Khoshnaw stated that any party failing to comply with these guidelines will face severe penalties. The guidelines were introduced following warnings from experts and environmentalists about increasing air pollution in Erbil and its surroundings.

Key guidelines include:

1. Closure of Non-Licensed Refineries: A total of 138 non-licensed refineries in Erbil province will be shut down to mitigate environmental harm.

2. Quality Gas for Generators: Neighborhood generators must use high-quality gas, with daily quality checks mandated.

3. Silent Systems for Generators: Generators without silent systems are given one week to install them, or they will face legal action.

4. Vehicle Pollution Control: Vehicles causing environmental pollution will be confiscated, and owners must resolve the issues before reclaiming them.

5. Power Plant Compliance: The Ministries of Electricity and Natural Resources of the Kurdistan Regional Government are required to implement environmental protection measures at the Khabat Thermal Power Plant, which has been a source of citizen protests due to pollution.

Governor Khoshnaw emphasized that stricter measures will be enforced against non-compliant generators, including arrests of owners and the reclamation of generator locations.

A special committee, led by the deputy governor, has been formed to oversee the implementation of these guidelines and decisions.