Environmental Planning for Blown Sand Mitigation along Sistan and Baluchestan Railway tracks and Stations

The aim of this study was to design an environmental planning model for blown sand mitigation in Sistan and Baluchestan railway tracks and stations among three-step approach. To begin, interviews were conducted with 16 university experts, managers and senior experts of railway facilities and environmental organization about blown sand mitigation in Iran. The data were coded and 77 components were identified in the form of 21 categories. Then the research model was designed and the hypotheses were identified based on the grounded theory (GT). Secondly, structural equation modeling (SEM) using Amos software was performed to fit the model. Next, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) was applied in order to prioritize, communicate and sequence between the components. The priorities of the influential components of the environmental planning model for blown sand mitigation in Sistan and Baluchestan railway tracks and stations were classified into six levels based on the expert opinions. Among them, two indicators of identification the existing conditions and the requirements for blown sand mitigation in railway tracks and stations and the goal setting for them based on their existential mission were proposed as the most effective levels. Finally, removing legal obstacles and formulating policies compatible with the environment and considering the long-term, medium-term and short-term planning of stabilization of blown sands based on executive power in order to determine applicable goals in policy priorities were proposed as solutions for controlling blown sand hazards along the Sistan and Baluchestan railway.