Ministry of Local Development and Environment: Open Burning Points Reduced by 24.8%, Avoiding 16,600 Tons of Pollutants During Autumn Season
Cairo – Ahmed Sabri
Minister of Local Development and Environment Dr. Manal Awad confirmed that the ministry continues to implement a comprehensive plan to address acute air pollution episodes during the autumn season. This plan relies on an integrated system based on early monitoring, rapid intervention, field supervision, strict control over pollution sources, as well as awareness-raising and enhancing community participation. She noted that the results achieved between September 1, 2026, and October 7, 2026, reflect the continued intensification of efforts across various axes.
Dr. Manal Awad explained that the early warning system, through the analysis of satellite imagery, identified 486 burning points in the Greater Cairo, Delta, and Asyut governorates during the aforementioned period, compared to 647 burning points during the same period in 2025. This represents a decrease of 161 points, or a reduction rate of approximately 24.8%, demonstrating the effectiveness of monitoring and early intervention measures to curb pollution sources.
The Minister of Local Development and Environment added that the ministry continues to strictly supervise industrial facilities, with continuous monitoring of emissions from 173 chimneys belonging to 32 facilities in the Greater Cairo, Delta, and Asyut areas. A total of 81 cases of exceeding the legally permitted emission limits for chimneys were recorded, and necessary measures were taken regarding these violations.
Awad pointed out that inspection and field patrols on industrial axes and cities, based on recommendations from the early warning system, weather conditions, immediate directives, and operational needs, resulted in the inspection of 55 facilities. Of these, 44 were found to be in violation, while 11 complied with environmental requirements. She emphasized that supervision is not limited to monitoring alone but extends to immediate field action, tracking pollution sources, and taking necessary legal measures to ensure the reduction of emissions and improvement of air quality.
Regarding agricultural waste, the Minister clarified that the collection and baling of rice straw are ongoing in the seven Delta governorates where rice cultivation is prevalent: Qalyubia, Sharqia, Gharbia, Dakahlia, Kafr El Sheikh, Beheira, and Damietta. This is in accordance with data from the Ministry of Agriculture regarding planted areas for 2026. She noted that, to date, 1,216,075 tons of rice straw have been collected. This coincides with the total rice harvest reaching 53.08%, covering a total area of 613,635 feddans. Regarding the maize crop, both Shami and Rafie varieties, the total harvested area reached 693,739 feddans, with a harvest rate of 76.92%.
The Minister confirmed that efforts to manage agricultural waste and curb industrial emissions contributed, during the period, to avoiding emissions estimated at approximately 16,611 tons of pollutants. This includes approximately 7,280 tons of particulate matter, 5,908 tons of nitrogen oxides, and 3,422 tons of sulfur dioxide, within the framework of the integrated measures implemented by the ministry to control various pollution sources.
In the context of efforts to reduce air pollution sources from vehicles, Dr. Manal Awad explained that 88 joint campaigns were conducted to inspect vehicle exhausts, in coordination with the General Administration of Traffic and the General Administration of Environmental and Waterways Police at the Ministry of Interior. These campaigns took place on desert and highway roads in the Greater Cairo region and resulted in the inspection of 3,208 vehicles, of which 2,298 passed the test. Concurrently, awareness activities were carried out to educate citizens and drivers about the risks of vehicle exhaust and the importance of engine maintenance to safeguard public health and air quality.
The Minister of Local Development and Environment added that a program for re-inspection was implemented.
Vehicles with violations at the Technical Center for Vehicle Exhaust, where 536 vehicles were re-inspected; 514 passed the test. Legal reconciliation procedures were completed for 514 vehicles, and routine inspections were carried out for the public transport authority’s bus fleet at the Imbaba, El-Manieb, and Badr garages, totaling 643 buses.
