And Destruction Of A City  Environment Continues…..

By Ali A Kiafar, PhD, REFP 

In recent years various parts of the city of Tehran have been very negatively affected by the plans and actions of its municipality, on top of other poor planning and policies of inexperienced if not incompetent government officials. An organization that is by law and all logics and legacy supposed to be the guardian of the city environment and the life of its inhabitants has had a record of not only neglecting the well being of the city infrastructure and conditions as well as its residents, but has taken on steps and actions that have deprived the Iranian capital of many of its century-old features and amenities.

One example of the shear lack of concern for the city and the public has been the extended and expansive cutting of trees in the public domain — most of which are many decades if not centuries old and so necessary for a livable urban landscape. The eradication of trees has taken place in various parts of Tehran,  especially in its gardens and parks. Zafaranieh Urban Garden (Boustaan Zafaranieh), National Botanical Garden (Baagh Guiaah-shenassi Melli), Chitgar Park, and the Sa’ad Abaad Palace are but examples of the locations of this trees butchering.

And now, Qeytarieh Park with trees that mostly have existed for so long is the subject of destruction. Disguised or doubled by a plan to build a mosque in its compound, this historic park is at the threshold of significant demolition and great loss.

The negative effects of such trees cutting and urban deforestation could be better understood when attention is paid to the fact that Tehran has been suffering from enormous air pollution, inadequate green spaces and much needed public parks. The appropriate response to the severe building blocks density and, by many accounts, over population of the city by sound and responsive city governance and public policy exercise would increase the number and the areas of green spaces and urban parks. However, on the contrary, like the majority of the plans and policies of the decision makers and authorities in the country, the real needs are looked over, set aside, and dubious plans and actions which both in theory and practice would not only not benefit the city and the citizens community but would certainly add to the misery of Tehran and its population.

Long and short the idea of building a mosque in a park — which by all indications is not going to be limited to the Qeytarieh Park and is considered for all parks as explicitly stated by some government officials— is just  a ploy to destroy the very scarce natural beauty and green spaces. It is just insult added to injury.

Ali A Kiafar, PhD, REFP 

Recipient, Excellence in Teaching Award

University of California – Riverside

Recipient, Best Community Development Award

American Institute of Architects

Recipient, Architecture and City Planning Book Award 

Association of Luminaries of Architecture in Iran

Also,please read this news:

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202403305545