Tehran Implements Emergency Anti-Pollution Measures: A Guide to Saturday’s Operations
In a decisive move to safeguard public health, Tehran’s provincial government has activated a comprehensive emergency protocol to combat severe air pollution. The measures, announced following a meeting of the provincial emergency working group, will significantly alter the operational rhythm of the capital this Saturday.
Virtual Learning and Closures
A key component of the plan involves the education sector. As mandated by the working group, all kindergartens and preschools across the province will be closed. Furthermore, in-person classes for all grade levels in Tehran city and the greater province—with the exception of the counties of Malard, Shahriar, Ghods, Robat Karim, Firuzkuh, and Damavand—will shift to virtual instruction via the SHAD educational platform.
Revised Work and Traffic Directives
For public and private sector offices, flexible working arrangements have been encouraged. All executive bodies and municipalities, excluding emergency, service, operational, military, and law enforcement units, are to utilize remote working capabilities where feasible to continue serving the public. Banks will operate on an on-call basis.
Traffic regulations have been notably tightened. The city-wide traffic scheme (restricting vehicles based on odd-even license plate numbers) will be in effect from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM. In a significant restriction, the 24-hour circulation of trucks within the city has been prohibited, with exemptions only for vehicles carrying perishable goods and fuel. Police have been directed to prevent the movement of visibly polluting and smoke-emitting vehicles.
A Multi-Pronged Approach
The emergency measures extend far beyond schools and traffic. To mitigate pollution sources, all urban construction, demolition, and wrecking activities are suspended across the province. The issuance of daily traffic zone permits by the Tehran Municipality has been halted, and operations at sand, gravel, and cement plants (excluding non-polluting kilns) have been temporarily stopped.
Authorities have also mandated the deployment of mobile emergency medical stations in high-traffic areas and stressed the importance of using approved protective masks, especially for vulnerable groups. Citizens are strongly advised to avoid non-essential travel, reduce personal car usage, and refrain from burning waste or tree trimmings.
These robust actions underscore the administration’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges and prioritizing the well-being of its citizens.