President Halts Miankaleh Petrochemical Project: A Game-Changer in Environmental Policy
In a significant environmental decision, President Masoud Pezeshkian has announced the suspension of the Miankaleh petrochemical project in northern Iran, addressing growing concerns over ecological impacts. This move has garnered attention from both environmental activists and the public alike.
Administration spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani took to X to confirm the suspension, stating, “Following direct instructions from the president to the Mazandaran governor and in response to concerns raised by environmental activists and the public, the Miankaleh petrochemical project has been halted.”
The administration’s official website further validated this decision, revealing that during a cabinet session earlier on the same day, Shina Ansari, head of the Environment Department, presented a report detailing the project’s activities. This report prompted President Pezeshkian to contact the Mazandaran governor directly to enforce the project’s cessation.
The Miankaleh project has recently faced heightened scrutiny, particularly after social media posts displayed construction machinery entering the rangelands of Hosseinabad in Behshahr. Key details about the project’s history include:
- The project was initiated in early 2022 without obtaining the necessary environmental impact assessment permit.
- In 2023, the Oil Ministry officially revoked the project’s approval.
- Environmental advocates have called for the restoration of the 90-hectare area designated for the project.
During the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, President Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of taking legal action against those responsible for environmental degradation in the region. He called for prosecution of offenders to ensure accountability and protect the environment.
This decisive action reflects a growing commitment to environmental preservation in Iran, highlighting the importance of sustainable development practices.
