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For the past two weeks, air pollution has affected the main cities of Iran and in particular Tehran. The capital province has closed its schools while traffic restrictions are already in place.
With our correspondent in Tehran, Siavosh Ghazi
A thick grayish cloud envelops the Iranian capital Tehran while the authorities have imposed for several days alternate traffic and prohibited certain polluting industrial activities. Truck traffic is also banned across the province in an attempt to reduce pollution, with little result. Faced with air pollution, authorities have decided to close all schools in Tehran province for the next three days due to air pollution. In other cities, similar measures have been taken.
Bahram, a 65-year-old retired teacher who has to take a taxi to support his family, says the only solution against pollution is to restrict car traffic. " We have to reduce car traffic," he believes. There are no other solutions. Then the authorities can develop public transport. We have to come to work to pay the price and the daily expenses . ”
Dilapidated vehicle fleet
The dilapidated fleet and the poor quality of gasoline are the main causes of air pollution that affect the country's major cities. The authorities invite the elderly, children and the sick not to go out.
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Air pollution peaks in many cities across the country between November and February . Indeed, cold air at altitude prevents hot and polluted air from being released. According to official figures, air pollution causes 30,000 deaths each year in the country.