Baghdad:The Green Iraq Observatory has criticized the government’s failure to implement concrete measures to address Iraq’s escalating pollution crisis, despite Parliament declaring an environmental state of emergency over a month ago.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Observatory has pointed out several pollution sources, including industrial and oil emissions, indiscriminate waste burning, and the discharge of contaminated water into rivers. The organization warned that the lack of substantial action casts doubt on the government’s commitment to resolving the crisis.

The Observatory has also noted that proposed environmental projects encompass short-term actions requiring up to one year and long-term initiatives extending 25 to 50 years, with costs potentially reaching billions of dollars. It has called on the Ministry of Environment to disclose the steps taken, identify pollution hotspots, publish inspection results, hold violators accountable, and establish a transparent action plan with clear priorities and deadlines.

The Observatory emphasized that effectively addressing Iraq’s environmental crisis necessitates coordination among relevant ministries and government agencies to combat pollution at its sources.