Four asphalt plants shut down in Baghdad for violating health and environmental regulations

BAGHDAD — Baghdad Operations Command announced on Monday the closure of four asphalt plants in Jurf Al-Naddaf, southeast of Baghdad, for violating health, environmental, and safety regulations.

In a statement, the operations media office said that, “In implementation of the directives of the prime minister and commander-in-chief of the armed forces, the committee formed under Executive Order No. 241285 continues its efforts to reduce environmental pollution caused by gas emissions and odors associated with production processes.”

The committee cited the lack of proper licensing, random establishment, and harmful emissions as reasons for the closures, emphasizing the negative impact on public health and safety caused by gas emissions and odors from production processes.

Earlier this month, the Baghdad Committee for Reducing Environmental Pollution issued mandatory directives calling for the immediate shutdown of unlicensed metal smelting plants, brick and asphalt factories, and illegal landfill sites. The committee also stated that legal action would be taken against owners who breach environmental regulations.

In recent months, air pollution in Baghdad has worsened, with a strong sulfuric odor raising health concerns among residents. The southern district of Dora has been especially impacted, causing breathing difficulties and resulting in nearly 200 hospitalizations.