Sharjah 24: During its thirteenth session, held at its headquarters in the city of Sharjah, as part of the third regular session of the tenth legislative term, the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) discussed a parliamentary question submitted by the Member Jassim Juma Al Mazmi addressed to the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in the Emirate of Sharjah on efforts made to preserve the quality of air and reduce harmful emissions from industrial facilities, and aspects of control.

In this context, the leadership of the United Arab Emirates is exerting efforts to preserve air quality as one of the national issues within the UAE agenda and vision for the year 2021. According to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Emirate of Sharjah, is concerned in preserving and ensuring human health and safety from any harmful emissions or pollution to the environment, and therefore, many local departments under the umbrella of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Sharjah play a clear role in reducing air pollution, putting forward initiatives and making visits to find out sources of pollution and conduct field studies. 

Due to the importance of the goals aiming at preserving the residents of the emirate from pollution, a question was addressed to her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairman of EPAA, on the efforts of the Authority in activating competencies to combat pollution and environmental degradation in its various forms to protect society, human health and living organisms from all harmful activities and actions.  The question asked about how EPAA measures and monitors the indicators of environmental pollution and the maintenance of air quality and safety. 

The Environment and Protected Areas Authority is making great efforts to protect the environment, preserve biodiversity and achieve environmental sustainability through many practices and activities.

EPAA has developed a future plan for the next five years aimed at expanding and modernising the air quality monitoring network in the Emirate of Sharjah. 

The 5-year plan included expanding the network of air quality monitoring stations to cover all areas of the Emirate of Sharjah by increasing the number of stations.

The work is currently underway to connect the stations electronically to facilitate the process of exchanging data with the relevant government agencies and developing the quality of work.

The plan also included using mathematical modeling programmes for the spread of air pollutants that help identify pollution sources; and conducting studies and research and attracting the latest practices and technologies in the field of air quality.

Finally, raising a green barrier (planting tall trees) on both sides of Emirates Road between Al Rahmaniya and Al Sajaa Industrial Area, which will effectively contribute to reducing the effects of harmful emissions and unpleasant odours resulting from industrial activities in Al Sajaa area.