ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Litterers and polluters in the Kurdistan Region will face steep punishments ranging from financial fines to confiscation of their vehicle under new regulations issued by the government’s environment protection board. The move has been widely welcomed, though there are questions about how authorities will be able to enforce the measures. Dumping domestic waste into the streets, littering, and urinating in public are some of the violations that will incur a 100,000 dinar ($84) fine, according to an undated decree from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)’s environment board. The regulations were issued based on existing laws. Driving a vehicle with high emissions, littering in tourist spots, or raising livestock in urban centres will earn a 200,000 dinar ($168) fine. Industrial and hospital polluters will be slapped with much bigger fines – four million dinars ($3,350) for tossing out dangerous materials and ten million dinars ($8,400) for radioactive waste. Fines will be doubled for repeat offenders and traffic police can make the decision to confiscate a vehicle, Anwar Mohammed Ramazan, head of inspection and monitoring at Erbil’s environment office told Rudaw on Wednesday. His office will follow up on violations and they welcome snitchers. “Anyone who sees a violation can take a photo and send it to the official page of the Environment Board or its city offices,” he said. Public reaction has been largely positive, though many people called for more serious measures. “The punishments are good but they will not be implemented,” Facebook user Jawhar Muhammad commented on the story on Rudaw’s Kurdish service. “The money gathered from the fines should be used in protecting and serving the environment,” commented Ravin Azad Mergasory. Facebook user Aram Arsalan said the decision targets the poor since they cannot afford cars that meet emissions standards. Education in environmental protection should come hand-in-hand with the regulation, Hazhar Mahir, head of Waar Organization for Environmental Protection, told Rudaw English late on Thursday. “Law and culture together can enhance the awareness of individuals and society to a level where they will feel responsible towards the environment,” he said. His organization is pleased with the new regulations, but questioned whether the authorities will follow through with implementation. So far, “laws and instructions have existed only on paper without being implemented,” he said. Waste management is a major challenge facing the Kurdistan Region. This year, politicians in their Newroz addresses urged picnickers to clean up after themselves.
