Serious questions from the Environmental Protection Agency about Tehran's air pollution

Today’s Note:

Farhad Afshar, Urban Management Expert

Given the intensifying air pollution crisis in the capital and its direct impact on the health and quality of life of citizens, it is essential for the Environmental Protection Organization, as the main authority in monitoring and managing pollutant resources, to provide clear answers to the following questions:

1. What is the reason for the negligence in identifying and announcing the sources of pollution in Tehran?
   Why has the organization not yet publicly published a complete and accurate list of fixed and mobile pollution sources in Tehran?

2. What is the contribution of external pollution sources to Tehran’s air pollution?
   How much is the share of dust and pollutants coming from neighboring provinces or countries in the air quality of Tehran based on official monitoring?

3. What is the reason for air pollution during periods of significantly reduced urban traffic?
   During the fourth and fifth days of the “12-day war,” when the population of Tehran had decreased to about one-fifth, why did the air pollution index remain in the unhealthy range? Does this issue not indicate the dominance of non-traffic sources over the air pollution in the capital?

4. What is the organization’s action plan for managing pollutant sources?
   Is there a specific document that includes a timeline, practical actions, and evaluation indicators for reducing air pollution? If such a document exists, why has it not been communicated to the public?

These questions are crucial not only for public opinion but also for policymakers and responsible institutions. Transparency in responses is the first step towards restoring public trust and initiating effective actions to reduce air pollution in Tehran.