Wednesday 29 / July / 2026
Nizwa: The Environment Department in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate is exerting unremitting and integrated efforts to ensure that establishments comply with national environmental standards, operating across multiple tracks that include digital and field monitoring, as well as nature conservation and sustainability projects.
The Department explained that the total number of environmental violations recorded reached 64 during the period from January until the end of June of 2026, while the number of violations recorded during the past year, reached 184.
Hamad Said Al Furqani, Head of the Environmental Compliance Section at the Environment Department in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, affirmed that preserving the environment and protecting natural resources is a shared societal responsibility requiring collective awareness and integration, as well as safeguarding the natural heritage with which the Sultanate of Oman is endowed.
He pointed out the ongoing implementation of numerous programs and initiatives aimed at protecting biodiversity, preserving natural reserves, monitoring wildlife, protecting endangered species, and regulating activities that might impact ecosystems to ensure the sustainability of these natural riches.
Regarding environmental monitoring and smart systems, Al Furqani told Oman News Agency (ONA) that five air quality monitoring stations have been installed at various strategic locations in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate to monitor gases and fine particulate matter resulting from industrial activities, ensuring they remain within safe and permissible local and international limits.
He added that the Department is also keen on operating and maintaining radiation monitoring stations as part of the early warning system and comprehensive environmental safety framework in the Sultanate of Oman.
Al Furqani indicated that during the past year, the Department carried out 2,879 visits to factories and crushers, which resulted in recording 184 violations, and conducted 1,401 visits during the first half of the current year, resulting in recording 48 violations.
He emphasised that inspection visits are carried out on a periodic and surprise basis to monitor liquid and solid waste management and ensure the application of the best available technologies to curb pollution at the source.
Regarding sustainable environmental projects and waste recycling in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, Al Furqani explained that during the past year, 16 visits were conducted to companies operating in the field of waste recycling, and 19 visits were carried out during the first half of the current year.
He added that recycling projects in the governorate are closely monitored with the aim of promoting circular economy principles, reducing the volume of waste diverted to landfills, and encouraging the optimal utilisation of available resources.
As part of efforts to preserve unique vegetation cover and combat desertification through natural reserves and afforestation initiatives in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, Al Furqani pointed out that the Environment Department pays special attention to expanding green spaces through the National Initiative to Plant 10 Million Wild Trees. The governorate contributes a significant share to this initiative through the Department’s nurseries. More than 5,000 wild trees have been planted and distributed since the beginning of this year.
The Department also supervises the implementation of administrative and monitoring plans for prominent reserves in the governorate, most notably the “Jabal Akhdar Biosphere Reserve,” which represents a global model for harmony between local communities and the conservation of vital natural resources, and the “Western Hajar Starlight Reserve,” which aims to reduce light pollution and preserve the governorate’s dark skies as a rare natural and astronomical heritage and an ideal environment for research and observation. Regarding biodiversity protection, efforts include intensifying field inspection and conducting patrols by wildlife protection units in sensitive environments and reserves to prevent illegal logging and poaching, ensuring the sustainability of unique ecosystems.
The Environment Authority works with the industrial sector and the local community to ensure promising economic growth that respects nature, safeguards its resources, and preserves its environmental heritage for future generations.
