TEHRAN, Dec 23 (NNN-IRNA) – The governor of Tehran extended the closure of schools and kindergartens in Iran’s capital, Tehran, until Dec 28, citing alarming air pollution.
Anoushiravan Mohseni Bandpay, governor general of Tehran Province, said that, the Air Pollution Exigency Committee has also imposed restrictions on the movement of cars in Tehran’s streets.
Long vehicles and trucks are banned outright in Tehran Province, Bandpay was quoted as saying.
He urged residents of the capital to postpone their unnecessary trips in the city, or to use public transportation for their daily activities.
Over the past days, Iranian officials have repeatedly warned the young, elderly and people with respiratory illnesses, to stay indoors and suspend sporting activities.
Air pollution is expected to linger for another five days, “unless the helping hand of nature brings a strong gust of wind to help Tehran’s residents,” according to Iran Meteorological Organisation.
Mohammad Taqizadeh, a member of Tehran City Council, said, the odd-even traffic plan will be re-imposed in the next days to alleviate the volume of commutation in the city.
As per the odd-even rule, cars would ply the streets on alternate days, depending on the odd and even numbers of the license plate.
Heavy traffic, factory pollution and lack of wind and rain in recent days worsened the air quality in Tehran.
Earlier this month, Pirouz Hanachi, mayor of Tehran, said, the burning of fossil fuels, excessive use of private cars and the growing number of low-quality motorcycles are the main culprits behind the air pollution in the mega city.– NNN-IRNA