Considering the drastic air pollution in… Tehran The capital’s environmental authority has issued a warning. The air quality index is currently at a critical value of 160, which means the air is classified as highly polluted for all population groups and very dangerous for the elderly.
An emergency meeting was held at the Health Ministry as the virus is expected to persist, the web portal of Shargh daily newspaper reported. According to ministry statistics, more than 58,000 people died from air pollution last year.
The main cause of poor air quality is the millions of cars in the city. Due to the lack of public transportation, many Tehran residents have no choice but to use their own cars. In addition, gasoline prices are low – at 15 to 20 cents per liter – and quality.
The situation gets worse, especially in winter and summer, when energy consumption through heating and air conditioning increases. Many Iranians criticize the burning of heavy oil in power plants, which causes high levels of pollutants.
Apart from air pollution, residents also experience a water crisis
On days with extremely high levels of air pollution, the government is forced to close schools and universities. Currently there are even discussions about closing banks and other authorities. At least 15 million people live in Iran’s capital, and during the day the number rises to nearly 19 million due to commuters.
Apart from air pollution, city residents are also suffering from a national water crisis due to the long drought. Iranian President Massoud Peseschkian recently announced that water would have to be rationed if no rain falls by the end of November. If there is a more prolonged drought, he is also considering further, more drastic measures. “If the rain still doesn’t fall, we have to evacuate Tehran,” he said.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:251122-930-328051/1
