Financial Tribune - The Department of Environment had drafted a bill on a winter break for schools. It was approved by the Cabinet at the time and sent to the parliament, but was later shelved

As Iranian metropolises struggled with suffocating air pollution over the past few weeks, which led to extended school closures, some urban authorities have again touted the idea of a winter school break.

In February 2017, the Department of Environment drafted a bill on a winter break for schools. It was approved by the Cabinet at the time and sent to the parliament, but was later shelved.

Speaking to Mehr News Agency, Deputy Tehran Mayor Hojjat Behrouz said although decision-makers withdrew the bill, it can be reconsidered, since there is no workable solution for the growing air pollution.

"Let's be realistic! Even if the country had not been pressured by US sanctions, quick renovation of public transportation in a megacity like Tehran was almost impossible," Behrouz said.

“Therefore, it is wiser to think of alternative solutions.”

The bill, which already has the backing of President Hassan Rouhani and his Cabinet, proposed spreading school holidays across the year to reduce traffic and air pollution in winter.