KRG PM Barzani announces measures to tackle air pollution in Erbil, Duhok

ERBIL — Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani convened a high-level meeting on Sunday with environmental and tourism officials, as well as the governors of Erbil and Duhok—two of the Kurdistan Region’s four governorates—to tackle rising air pollution and enhance environmental protection measures in the region.
Barzani, in a statement posted to his official Facebook page, highlighted the government’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges. “Today, we chaired a special meeting to examine and address the issue of air pollution in Erbil and Duhok,” he wrote.

Emphasizing that environmental protection is a priority for the KRG, Barzani called for a “collective responsibility” to safeguard the region’s natural resources. He stressed the importance of protecting public health and directed authorities to implement stricter measures against pollution sources.

Specific actions discussed during the meeting included enforcing environmental regulations, penalizing violators, and taking legal action against factories, refineries, and facilities operating outside compliance standards. Barzani urged swift and coordinated action to prevent further environmental harm.

Last August, Erbil’s environmental and administrative authorities met to tackle pressing environmental issues, resulting in the adoption of several resolutions aimed at mitigating pollution. A key decision was to shut down illegal oil refineries in the area. However, slow progress has been noted in crackdown on these illegal refineries.

Restrictions will be imposed on individuals and entities producing and smuggling harmful car fuel.

In August last year, the Erbil Environment Directorate also called on residents and drivers to assist in identifying vehicles that emit excessive smoke by taking photos and submitting them to local authorities for further action.

The decision also mandates generator owners to regulate noise and air pollution, requiring compliance with official guidelines. Legal consequences will be enforced for violators.

In 2024, Erbil authorities fined 65 generator owners between one and three million Iraqi dinars ($663 to $1,989) for using substandard fuel and not following the designated operating schedules.