Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has directed an increase in the activity of the air pollution response team and the monitoring of key landfill and waste sites. A statement by the Prime Minister’s Media Office detailed that al-Sudani chaired a meeting focused on the environmental situation in Baghdad and several other cities. The meeting included the Minister of Environment, the Governor of Baghdad, and other key officials such as the Undersecretaries of the Ministries of Electricity and Industry, the Baghdad Municipality, and the Commander of the Environmental Police.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, al-Sudani reviewed reports from relevant departments on the causes of air pollution, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to develop both short- and long-term solutions. He instructed the Air Pollution Response Team to enhance its activities and submit weekly reports on pollution levels. Additionally, he called for effective legal measures to mitigate the risks associated with pollution.

Al-Sudani further directed the Ministry of Environment and relevant directorates to intensify their efforts, providing necessary resources to tackle the problem. He highlighted the importance of activating investment projects related to landfill and waste recycling, as well as implementing plans to address air and river pollution. Emphasis was placed on environmental performance indicators and the support of the environmental police, along with addressing the issue of landmines.

The Prime Minister underscored the need for fundamental solutions and a clear environmental strategy, urging community and youth involvement in these efforts. The meeting also pinpointed specific causes of pollution, including landfill sites, brick factories, oil refineries, and other industrial and vehicular emissions.