Maysan environment director warns of water scarcity, pollution risks

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The director of Maysan’s Environment Directorate, Amir Kazim al-Aridi, has warned that water scarcity and pollution in the southern Iraqi province are threatening public health, agriculture and biodiversity. In a statement, al-Aridi said Maysan relies on the Hilla River for its water supply but receives far less water than needed. Al-Aridi blamed the shortfall in part on the overuse of river water and the spread of water hyacinth, a floating plant that covers the river’s surface and worsens pollution. He said the main source of contamination is the Maysan Sewerage Directorate’s discharge of untreated wastewater into the river. The Environment Directorate has been inspecting public and private facilities that release waste into the river and has initiated legal action against violators, according to al-Aridi. He added that Maysan contains large areas of desertified land and, because of its sparse vegetation, is more exposed to high temperatures and the effects of climate change. Al-Aridi warned that rising temperatures and falling water levels are causing health problems for residents of settlements near the river and surrounding ponds. He did not provide figures on cases or affected communities, and no further details were immediately available.