Deliberate Environmental Pollution in Ahwaz: A Policy of the Iranian Occupation

The occupied Arab region of Ahwaz is experiencing a severe environmental crisis that worsens daily.

This crisis is particularly evident in the increasing levels of air pollution caused by the intensive industrial and petroleum activities carried out by the Iranian occupation authorities in the region.

The city of Ahwaz suffers from extreme air pollution fueled by various industrial factors, including oil burning and improper waste disposal. This unprecedented pollution directly impacts the health of the population.

According to Davood Mirshkar, the Director General of Environmental Protection in Ahwaz, oil flare stacks, numbering around 50 in the region, are among the largest contributors to air pollution.

Despite apparent efforts to reduce pollution, these flares continue to burn around the clock, releasing harmful gases that degrade air quality and increase the risks of chronic respiratory diseases and heart conditions among residents.

Mirshkar’s statements highlight that current environmental policies, such as the “Kahab” project aimed at capturing gas emissions at fuel stations, are slow and inefficient.

He noted significant delays in implementing these measures.

Furthermore, the region struggles with the use of heavy fuel oil, known as “mazut,” in power plants, which exacerbates pollution levels.

This persists despite attempts to reduce its usage and replace it with natural gas.

The situation in Ahwaz is also worsening due to the Iranian occupation authorities’ repeated decisions to establish large industrial projects, such as factories and power plants, near residential areas.

These projects are implemented without consideration for their environmental impact or the health of local citizens.

Additionally, the widespread burning of sugarcane fields in the region significantly exacerbates pollution, releasing vast amounts of smoke and harmful airborne pollutants that directly affect the population.

Although Iranian occupation authorities occasionally announce intentions to reduce pollution, these claims rarely go beyond media statements.