A brick kiln spreading smoke in Al-Khayrat area, Karbala. (Photo: 964media)
Al-Haydariya subdistrict
Air pollution from brick kilns see residents cry foul in northern Najaf
NAJAF — Residents in northern Najaf, particularly the Al-Haydariya subdistrict, are grappling with air pollution caused by brick kilns in the nearby Al-Khayrat, which is administratively part of Karbala governorate. The kilns are a cause for many environmental and health issues, according to local officials and residents.
The smoke carried by the wind to Najaf has reportedly caused respiratory illnesses among residents and led to dense fog that obstructs visibility, endangering pilgrims traveling to Karbala, a journey of high religious importance for Shia Muslims.
Director of Najaf’s Environment Department, Jamal Abd Zaid, described the kilns as “illegal and environmentally destructive operations.” He stated that while most of these kilns have been shut down in northern Najaf, some continue to operate covertly in the night.
“There are also unregulated kilns in Karbala’s Al-Khayrat area and at the Al-Tariq factory. The pollutants from these facilities are carried by winds toward Najaf,” Zaid told 964media.
He added that formal communication has been initiated with local authorities in Karbala and Baghdad to address the issue and shut down these operations.
Najaf’s environment department has also involved security forces to raid and close these kilns, citing violations of Iraq’s Environmental Protection and Improvement Law No. 27 of 2009.
Local residents like Ali Salim expressed concern over the health and safety risks. “The brick kilns are a major cause of respiratory illnesses in nearby areas, especially in Al-Haydariya,” Salim told 964media.
The problem has also disrupted pilgrimage routes. “The fog caused by the smoke affects visibility, leading to traffic incidents and breathing difficulties for pilgrims heading to Karbala, particularly on Thursdays and Fridays,” he added.
Karbala is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Shia Muslims, drawing millions of visitors annually, especially during religious observances such as Arbaeen and Ashura.
On Monday, the Iraqi Council of Ministers approved a set of 12 recommendations drafted by the Ministry of Environment, aiming at combat air pollution across the country. The measures include allocating funds to bolster environmental inspection systems and aim to provide both immediate and long-term solutions to Iraq’s environmental challenges.