Minister of Local Development: A comprehensive system including intensified monitoring, field supervision, and immediate action against pollution sources

Cairo – Ahmed Sabri

Dr. Mona El-Wahab, Minister of Local Development and Environment, received a report on the results of efforts to combat acute air pollution episodes during the first half of the current month of September. These efforts are part of an integrated system that relies on continuous monitoring, early warning, and immediate field intervention to control pollution sources, particularly open burning of agricultural waste, industrial emissions, and vehicle exhaust.

Dr. Mona El-Wahab affirmed the continued intensification of monitoring and follow-up measures during the season for addressing acute air pollution episodes. She emphasized linking the results of the early warning system with field action plans to facilitate rapid response to pollution sources and mitigate their impact on air quality.

The report clarified that, based on the analysis of early warning system data and satellite imagery, 131 burning spots were detected in the areas of Greater Cairo, the Delta, and Assiut during the aforementioned period. This reflects the reliance on modern monitoring tools to identify burning hotspots and direct work teams and field committees to the targeted areas, thereby supporting rapid response and control of pollution sources.

Regarding the supervision of industrial facilities, the report indicated that real-time monitoring of emissions from 173 chimneys operating within 32 industrial facilities in Greater Cairo, the Delta, and Assiut continued. Monitoring efforts resulted in the recording of 26 instances of exceeding the legally permitted limits for chimney emissions, prompting the necessary actions. Additionally, inspection and field patrol activities on industrial axes and cities were intensified in accordance with the recommendations of the early warning system, weather conditions, immediate directives, and operational needs. Inspections covered 20 facilities, of which 19 were found to be in violation, leading to the necessary legal actions, while one facility was found to be compliant.

Concerning the management of agricultural waste, 242,049 tons of rice straw were collected in the areas of Greater Cairo and the Delta during the specified period. Additionally, 31,380 feddans of both high and low maize were harvested in Qalyubia Governorate. These measures support efforts to prevent open burning and convert agricultural waste into an economically beneficial resource. The system for collecting and baling agricultural waste aims to reduce the likelihood of disposal through burning, while maximizing its use in recycling activities and various economic applications.

The report stated that the measures implemented in the industrial and agricultural waste sectors during the aforementioned period resulted in the avoidance of approximately 3,908 tons of pollutants, comprising 480 tons of particulate matter, 2,188 tons of nitrogen oxides, and 1,240 tons of sulfur dioxide. This underscores the importance of integrating measures to control agricultural waste and industrial emissions, as both are key pillars in combating acute air pollution episodes.

In efforts to reduce emissions from vehicles, 1,343 vehicles were inspected at various points, and 247 vehicles were re-inspected. Settlement procedures were initiated for 235 vehicles, and the prescribed fines were collected. Inspection efforts also included 227 buses belonging to the Public Transport Authority, as part of continuous monitoring of vehicle exhaust and its role in improving air quality.

Within the framework of coordination between the Central Environmental Crisis and Disaster Room and the crisis rooms in the governorates, data on open burning is sent to the relevant governorates to direct field teams and address burning sources. Field teams in regional branches are also monitored; to date, 165 field committees have been followed up. Additionally, one report regarding agricultural waste in Sharqia Governorate was detected and addressed by the concerned authorities.

Regarding the awareness and community participation axis, the regional branches of the Environmental Affairs Agency implemented 187 campaigns, awareness seminars, and direct meetings with citizens. These activities addressed the risks of open burning of agricultural waste and the importance of utilizing rice straw instead of burning it. These efforts run parallel to supervisory and field measures, recognizing the importance of raising awareness among citizens and farmers, who are key partners in reducing air pollution sources.

The report also clarified that, regarding the citizen service and environmental complaints system, no reports were received through the Unified Government Complaints System during the aforementioned period.

The Ministry of Local Development and Environment continues its efforts to combat acute air pollution episodes through an integrated system based on early monitoring, rapid response, and field intervention. Coordination among the ministry’s agencies, governorates, and relevant authorities continues to ensure immediate handling of pollution sources and mitigation of their impacts, supporting the state’s efforts to enhance air quality and preserve the health of citizens and the environment.