Baghdad authorities order immediate closure of polluting factories, landfills

BAGHDAD — The Baghdad Committee for Reducing Environmental Pollution issued binding recommendations on Sunday, mandating the immediate closure of unauthorized metal smelting plants, brick and asphalt factories, and illegal landfill sites. The committee also announced plans to prosecute owners violating environmental regulations.

The directive follows instructions from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, and was discussed during the first coordination conference led by Lt. Gen. Al-Dera’a Al-Rukn,commander of Baghdad operations. The meeting included representatives from the PM’s office, the Ministries of Health and Environment, Baghdad Municipality, the National Security Service, and other relevant agencies, along with senior military officials.

According to a statement from Baghdad Operations Command, the meeting focused on implementing a comprehensive plan to combat environmental pollution caused by unauthorized metal smelting sites, brick and asphalt plants, and waste incinerators operating at unregulated landfills across the capital. The committee outlined urgent measures to shut down non-compliant facilities, hold their owners accountable under environmental laws, and grant a grace period for these businesses to meet the Ministry of Environment’s standards.

“These measures are part of ongoing efforts by specialized committees to monitor and regulate these sites to protect the health and safety of citizens from the harmful gases and odors they emit,” the statement read.

The committee emphasized the importance of swift enforcement to address the environmental and public health risks posed by these facilities. The new measures aim to reduce air pollution and mitigate the hazards affecting residents of Baghdad, marking a critical step in safeguarding the capital’s environment.

In recent months, Baghdad has experienced a significant increase in air pollution, marked by a pervasive sulfuric odor that has raised health concerns among residents. The southern district of Dora has been particularly affected, with the smell causing breathing difficulties and leading to nearly 200 hospitalizations.

In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani has formed a ministerial committee to investigate the sources of pollution and develop mitigation strategies. The Ministry of Environment has advised residents to limit outdoor exposure during times when the odor is most intense and to keep windows closed to maintain indoor air quality.

On Oct. 18, the Ministry of Industry and Minerals announced that all brick factories in Baghdad and other governorates are required to transition from using heavy fuel oil to natural gas within the next 18 months.