The Tashkent Hokimiyat Finally Takes on the Problem of Air Pollution

The city administration has announced the implementation of comprehensive measures to combat pollution from enterprises and greenhouses affecting Tashkent’s air quality. To identify violators, a special team of specialists from various agencies has been formed, conducting nightly inspections.

Officials noted that the issue of air pollution is particularly acute with the onset of colder weather when air quality in Tashkent sharply declines, causing understandable concern among residents.

“The rapid growth of entrepreneurship and the expansion of economic activities in recent years have impacted greenhouses located both within the city and in neighboring districts of the Tashkent region. These changes negatively affect the city’s ecology and the health of its residents,” the administration emphasized.

To check whether the heating systems of enterprises comply with environmental standards, specifically regarding the use of solid fuel, a comprehensive environmental inspection is now underway. The working group includes staff from the Department of Ecology, Cadastral Service, Ministry of Emergency Situations, GUMVD (Main Department of Internal Affairs), Uzhydromet, the Tax Committee, and the Hokimiyat. The group is equipped with specialized equipment to record violations of environmental standards at facilities.

When violations are detected, decisive measures are taken. Enterprises using coal-fired boilers are required to install filters to capture heavy and light ash particles. Those using materials that produce strong odors and air discoloration, such as tires or fuel oil, must switch to filtered coal fuel. If these requirements are not met, such enterprises may be temporarily shut down, especially during critical environmental periods.

All facilities using solid-fuel combustion systems have been registered in a special database. Throughout the heating season, they will undergo unplanned inspections. Under control are all facilities that have the potential to pollute the atmosphere, from greenhouses to restaurants and cafes where food is prepared over an open flame.

The Hokimiyat has also urged residents to show concern for the capital’s ecological state and take steps to prevent pollution. In turn, the administration is ready to provide advisory support to enterprises to bring their operations in line with modern environmental standards.