President Mohammad Khatami is ready to pay the price to clean up Tehran, a newspaper reported Tuesday as more and more of the capital's residents donned masks against the pollution. Hamshahri newspaper reported that Khatami had allocated funds to combat the problem, but did not say how much. Tens of thousands of Tehran's residents are wearing masks to protect themselves from the heavy smog much of it blamed on cars that has hung over the capital for a month. State radio has warned that the pollution is expected to get worse over the next few days. The sun has barely been visible in Tehran in the mornings.
Residents complain of itchy eyes and scratchy throats.
Radio and television stations have been broadcasting hourly warnings asking residents to stay indoors and to use public transportation instead of driving. Newspapers have been criticizing the government for failing to come to grips with the problem. The heavy pollution is causing fatigue among Tehran's population. Many residents with heart conditions and asthma have been hospitalized. Earlier this month, the government closed kindergartens and elementary schools and barred motorists from the city center for several days.