Environment
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Khamir Port Requires Environmental Permits

Khamir Port Requires Environmental Permits
Khamir Port Requires Environmental Permits

The office of the Department of Environment in Hormozgan Province has refused to grant a permit for the construction of Khamir Port near Bandar Abbas, unless the area's environmental issues are resolved.

Majid Vafadar, the head of the provincial DOE office, noted that the multipurpose port is in close proximity to Hara forest, which is an issue of environmental concern, Tasnim News Agency reported.

Hara forest is the common name for Mangrove forests on the southern coast of Iran, particularly on and near the island of Qeshm in the Persian Gulf.

Proposed a few years back, the project is facing environmental problems that need authorities’ attention to prevent damage to the surrounding vulnerable ecosystems.

In the past few days, lawmakers have put pressure on DOE and other related organizations to put the project back on the agenda.

Vafadar noted that environmental experts have named 10 problems in the port’s construction project that require modification, without which DOE will not issue a permit for launching the project.

The official called on Ports and Maritime Organization, which is at the helm of the project, to resolve the issues, adding that DOE does not bear any responsibility for the delay in the Khamir Port project.

Vafadar stressed that compliance with environmental laws will benefit the society and country in the short and long run.  

The main objective behind the construction of this multipurpose port is to serve commercial and fishing vessels, encourage economic activities and promote the prosperity of local residents.

However, environmentalists have opposed the development of Khamir Port for the threat it poses to the unique ecosystem of Hara forest.

Waters surrounding Qeshm Island, Khamir Port and Bandar Abbas have experienced heavy pollution because of oil production and marine transport activities.

Khamir Port is located 75 km from Bandar Abbas Port in Hormozgan Province.

 

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