Schools in several cities across Iran were closed and shifted to online classes due to severe air pollution. Simultaneously, reports have emerged regarding the reasons and circumstances of the resumption of mazut (fuel oil) burning at three power plants.
Local authorities in various provinces of Iran announced that schools in dozens of cities would hold online classes on Tuesday, December 10.
In Khuzestan Province, schools in 17 cities were declared closed. In recent days, air quality in some cities of this province has been in the “red status,” and on Monday, schools in 19 cities of Khuzestan were also closed.
In Isfahan Province, schools in 12 cities were announced to be online for Tuesday and Wednesday.
In East Azerbaijan Province, schools in Tabriz and urban areas of four other cities were declared closed for Tuesday.
In other provinces, cities such as Qazvin, Arak, Urmia, Abyek, and Alborz also announced closures for all or some school levels.
Air quality in Tehran was in “red status” on Monday. Despite families waiting until the evening, no announcement was made about whether schools would be online or in-person the following day.
Finally, on Monday night, state television reported, citing Tehran’s governorate, that the air pollution emergency committee had not convened, and therefore, schools in the capital would hold in-person classes on Tuesday.
In recent days, some citizens have criticized the late announcements regarding school closures or continuations.
On Monday evening, Tehran’s Air Quality Control Company reported an air quality index of 158 for the capital, indicating “red status and unhealthy for all age groups.”
Tehran’s governorate stated that the air pollution emergency committee would decide on Tuesday whether schools would be closed or open on Wednesday and Thursday.
Uncertainty about mazut burning in power plants
The intensification of air pollution in various Iranian cities comes amidst controversy over the resumption of mazut burning in some power plants.
Last month, the government of Iranian regime’s President Masoud Pezeshkian announced that mazut burning would be halted at three power plants in Arak (Shazand), Karaj, and Isfahan to “protect public health.”
However, a few days ago, Sedigheh Torabi, an official from Iran’s Environmental Protection Organization, confirmed reports about the resumption of mazut burning at these three power plants and said the organization intends to file complaints against the “violating ministries.”
Nevertheless, according to environmental journalist Zeynab Rahimi, the resumption of mazut burning by the Oil and Energy Ministries was authorized by the Supreme National Security Council.
In recent years, the reason cited for resorting to mazut burning for power plant fuel was a “gas shortage.” However, according to a recent report by the Parliamentary Research Center, there is currently a shortage not only of gas and diesel but also of mazut itself.
