The Director General of Environmental Protection in Kurdistan has highlighted that over 80% of air pollution in the region is linked to aging vehicles, emphasizing the need for immediate action by relevant authorities to upgrade them.
In a recent press conference during Clean Earth Week in Sanandaj, Iqbal Hamidi identified gas pollutants as the primary contributors to air pollution in the province, noting that both public transport and private vehicles circulating in the cities are in poor condition.
Hamidi mentioned that the National Environment Fund is offering support to owners of old vehicles, providing loans of 2 billion Rials at a minimal interest rate to facilitate the transition to newer, cleaner transportation options.
Despite reaching out to city offices and municipalities three months ago to facilitate the process for applicants, responses are yet to be received.
While Kurdistan does not face significant industrial pollution, issues related to traffic and fuel tanker accidents have led to contamination of water, soil, and air resources.
Hamidi highlighted a concerning trend of fuel tanker accidents on routes like Marivan-Sanandaj since 2007, emphasizing that despite traffic regulations, incidents continue to occur, posing ongoing environmental risks.
