A view of Baghdad city
'Health and safety of citizens'
Baghdad shuts down asphalt plants for environmental violations
BAGHDAD — Baghdad Operations Command has closed three asphalt production plants Sunday in the Hay Al-Wahda area, southeast of the capital, for violating health and environmental regulations.
“These plants were operating without proper licensing and failed to meet safety and environmental standards, causing harm to the health and safety of citizens,” the command said in a statement.
The closures are part of efforts by a special committee formed to combat environmental pollution from industrial emissions and odors.
The committee includes representatives from key ministries, such as Oil and Electricity, and the Baghdad Municipality.
Air pollution in Baghdad has worsened in recent months, marked by a strong sulfuric odor that has raised health concerns among residents. The southern Dora district has been particularly affected, leading to breathing difficulties and nearly 200 hospitalizations.
On Oct. 16, 2024, the Baghdad Operations Command announced the closure of 30 illegal metal smelting sites in the eastern districts, citing severe health and environmental risks. In December, Iraqi security forces reported shutting down 10 unlicensed metal and asphalt smelting plants in the Ras Al-Abidi and Jurf Al-Naddaf areas of eastern Baghdad for violating environmental and health regulations.