Iran to shut govt offices, colleges and schools in Tehran due to air pollution
Iran announced Tuesday that all governmental offices, universities, and schools in the province of Tehran will be closed for two days because of poor air quality, state TV reported.
The capital city of Tehran — home to over 10 million people — saw the closure of elementary schools and kindergartens on Saturday and Sunday, but authorities said Tuesday that because of increasing pollution, all governmental offices, universities and schools will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, adding that schooling will continue on online platforms.
The TV report also said that banks, essential public services and health centers would remain open on those days.
Authorities also announced that schools and universities in neighboring Alborz province, and the central province of Isfahan will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
In Iran, schools usually work from Saturday to Wednesday.
On Tuesday visibility was low in Tehran, and authorities warned of poor air quality and advised the elderly, sick, and children to take extra precautions.
From time to time, authorities respond to the pollution with similar measures.
Tehran’s air quality is among the worst in the world. The smog is mostly caused by heavy traffic due to millions of fuel-burning cars, motorbikes and factory emissions. It worsens during the cold season because of a lack of wind and rain.
The city is surrounded by tall hills and mountains on three sides. Cold, stagnant air settles in the valley, trapping automotive and other emissions that cannot escape.
In July 2022, schools and government offices closed in Iran’s capital and several other cities in the country, after a sandstorm blanketed Tehran and the surrounding region.
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Elephant calf brought from Bijnor kept under care at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit (PTI): A 19-day-old elephant calf, brought from Bijnor, was placed under care at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Sunday, an official said and added that the calf got separated from its mother in the forest area of Bijnor.
The calf was born on December 2 in the Bijnor forest area and got separated from its mother shortly after birth, the official said.
The forest department made several attempts to reunite it with its mother, but without any success. To ensure the calf's safety and better care, it was decided to transfer it to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on the instructions of senior officials.
On Saturday, Deputy Director Manish Singh received the calf. Special arrangements have been made in the reserve for its care. It has been kept in a safe and clean environment to provide it with a natural setting and protect it from external noise and disturbances.
Singh told reporters that raising an 19-day-old calf is challenging.
It requires a special diet as a substitute for mother's milk and constant monitoring.
He said a special team has been formed to provide 24-hour care. Since the calf is very young, it is being cared for like a newborn baby.
According to Singh, the primary responsibility for monitoring the calf's health has been entrusted to PTR's veterinarian, Dr Daksh Gangwar. Under his supervision, a complete record of the calf's health checkups, diet, and body temperature is being maintained. The team is ensuring that the calf does not contract any infection.
