Air and sea pollutants will continue to harm the environment as long as the DoE does not function independently. In order to tackle environmental pollution, the Department of Environment (DoE) “must become an autonomous non-state-run organization,” said Ahmad Ali Moghimi, member of the Majlis Committee on Civil Affairs.
The sources for a major part of air and sea pollutants can be traced back “to the activities of government owned factories, industries, and airports; thus for the DoE to be able to take independent action against violators of the law, it must be separated from the government and function in line with the judicial system instead,” ICANA reported.
Rivers are one of the main arteries which transfer pollutants into the Caspian Sea. Surface waters are not monitored and no substantial funds are allocated for monitoring. With the status quo, fighting pollution will remain a tough, if not impossible task.
There are several other factors adding to the pollution of the Caspian Sea.
International and regional treaties signed within conventions need to be adhered and monitoring intensified “to put an end to all this,” he said.
Wastewater recklessly released by factories into the Caspian Sea accounts for a large part of the problem. Officials need to take strict measures to stop factories from advancing into the sea, he added.
Bandar Torkaman
Meanwhile, a crisis is imminent in the Bandar Torkaman area as sediment on the surface of the Caspian Sea is moving from Astara toward the port shores, CEO of Gorgan’s Ports and Shipping Lines, Allahyar As’adi said.
Due to their relatively shallow depths and accumulation of sediment, the ports of Bandar-e Gaz and Bandar Torkaman are no longer in use by marine fleets. The amount of sediment accumulated on the surface of the ports is dangerously high, and in the near future the Gulf of Gorgan will be cut off from Urumia Lake, he warned.
Not too long ago, 500 to 1000 tons capacity vessels could berth at the ports. Currently, all vessels weigh over 7,000 tons as those which weigh less are not economically feasible, and therefore it is impossible for them to anchor at the port, he was quoted as saying by Mehr News Agency.
Khajeh Nafas Port
He further said there is need for more ports across the province. At present, the Khajeh Nafas Port which is supported by private investors is in the first phase of implementation and in the next two years, oil tankers will be able to dock at the port. Government funding is not allocated for the construction of the port, the official added.
