Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani chaired a meeting on Sunday, January 12, to address air pollution issues in the cities of Erbil and Duhok, and underlined the importance of preserving Kurdistan’s natural heritage and combating climate change.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Barzani emphasized that environmental protection is a cornerstone of the KRG’s agenda.

“We have decided that from today onwards, legal action will be taken against any refinery or factory that operates outside the conditions and guidelines and causes environmental pollution,” Prime Minister Barzani posted on X.

“Any refinery, individual, or entity producing or smuggling harmful car fuels that pose health risks will be prosecuted. Furthermore, limits must be imposed on associated gas flaring in oil fields.”

Prime Minister Barzani also underscored the importance of collective efforts to preserve Kurdistan’s climate and its nature, describing this as a national duty and a shared responsibility.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ health and the region’s environment, highlighting air pollution as a top priority. He directed the relevant authorities to take necessary measures to prevent pollution and penalize violators.

The KRG’s measures include taking legal action against factories and refineries that operate outside regulations and cause environmental harm, effective immediately. 

The production and smuggling of harmful fuel are prohibited, and strict limits are to be imposed on associated gas flaring in oil fields. Private electricity generators must be fitted with filters to reduce noise and emissions in accordance with government guidelines, with violators facing legal consequences. Additionally, the use of polluted water for irrigation is no longer permitted.

In August 2024, local authorities shut down 138 illegal refineries to prevent air pollution.