Minister of Environment: Ending pollution problems in the Tangro River requires urgent intervention

Baghdad - INA

The Minister of Environment, Heh Lo Al-Askari, confirmed today, Sunday, that ending pollution problems in the Tangro River requires urgent action and realistic plans to reduce its environmental impacts.

The ministry said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The Minister of Environment, Heh Lo Al-Askari, stressed during his meeting with the World Food Program (WFP) delegation and officials in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, that ending pollution problems in the Tangro River requires urgent action and realistic plans to reduce its environmental impacts, especially since it is one of the main sources of agricultural irrigation in the governorate."

The minister indicated - according to the statement - that "pollution in the Tangro River has been an ongoing problem for many years, and continues to affect the agricultural and environmental system and aquatic life in the surrounding areas."

He added, "Addressing this crisis requires urgent intervention and cooperation between the concerned parties to implement effective measures that contribute to reducing pollution and restoring water quality."

The statement continued, "The Minister reviewed previous efforts in this file," noting that "the first field visit to the river took place during the term of the former Minister of Environment, Nizar Amedi, last August, where a technical committee was formed headed by the Technical Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment and a number of experts to study the reality of the river and the challenges it faces.".

He explained that "the World Food Program (WFP) and the Kurdistan Regional Government, along with health and environmental authorities in the province, participated in this visit, and it was agreed to develop a roadmap that includes a scientific assessment of the condition of the river, followed by urgent and sustainable solutions."
The Minister of Environment revealed that "the environmental teams will begin field work tomorrow, where they will take samples of river water and cultivated plants to analyze them chemically, physically, and biologically, to accurately determine the extent and size of pollution.".

Al-Askari stressed "the importance of strengthening cooperation between government agencies and international organizations to find sustainable solutions," stressing that "effectively managing water resources and addressing sources of pollution requires coordinated efforts between all parties." The Minister of Environment called for raising awareness among local communities about the importance of preserving the environment, as this has a direct impact on public health and the agricultural sector.

For its part, the World Food Programme (WFP) delegation expressed its commitment to supporting national efforts by providing technical expertise and modern technologies to help develop and implement solutions that contribute to improving water quality in the region.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to form joint coordination committees between the relevant authorities to follow up on the implementation of recommendations and develop practical plans to mitigate pollution in the Tangaro River, which would contribute to improving the environmental situation and reducing its impact on the population and natural resources.