Environmental Activists: Ahwaz Suffers as Occupying Regime Fails to Address Air Pollution
Environmental activists have revealed that the occupied Arab state of Ahwaz, known for its coastal and fertile lands, has been enduring prolonged neglect and the impact of polluting industries, leading to severe air quality deterioration.
The activists noted that, in recent months, Ahwaz residents have continued to deal with serious air pollutants. According to data from Ahwaz’s Air Quality Monitoring Center, on the morning of Sunday, January 21, 2024, air quality levels in eight cities across Ahwaz were extremely unhealthy for sensitive age groups.
The air quality index measured 263 in Masjed Soleiman and 137 in the cities of Ma’shour, Ahwaz, and Hindiyah, with similar levels of 263 in Behbahan, 137 in Salehieh, 114 in Qantara al-Qala’a, and 105 in Muhamara. These figures emphasize the need for caution, particularly for those with heart or lung conditions, as well as for the elderly and children.
These challenging conditions in Ahwaz highlight the lack of an effective preventive program in recent years. If such a program exists, it has not been implemented correctly. Contributing factors, including drought and water scarcity in wetlands, burning of agricultural crops, industrial pollution, and the burning of oil, gas, and sugarcane, all complicate living conditions in Ahwaz.
Given that this crisis mirrors challenges faced by neighboring Gulf countries, it seems to reflect both neglect and mismanagement by officials. There has yet to be any oversight or accountability from senior Iranian officials, such as the public prosecutor, allowing the situation to worsen rapidly.
