Tashkent Hosts Meeting on Measures to Combat Air Pollution

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A meeting of the Special Commission on Atmospheric Air Quality, chaired by Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Presidential Administration, was held in Tashkent to address air pollution issues. 

The session included the participation of city and regional hokims, the Chairperson of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, and representatives of law enforcement agencies. 

Mirziyoyeva emphasized that the ecological situation is under constant national oversight, with government bodies conducting regular monitoring and taking measures to reduce air pollution. “Our President requires a daily report on this matter. Where public health is concerned, no one has the right to act irresponsibly,” she said. 

Recent studies using advanced Japanese technologies indicate that approximately 40% of dust in Tashkent’s air is anthropogenic, caused by human activity, while 60% is natural. The commission discussed expanding green zones, restoring the canal system, reducing emissions from industrial facilities and greenhouses, and other measures to improve air quality. 

Hokims were instructed to submit regular reports on implemented measures, with specific deadlines for completion. Emphasis was placed on a scientific approach, including the creation of a national laboratory for atmospheric monitoring. 

The commission also reviewed the air pollution situation in Fergana, issuing directives for decisive action to improve ecological conditions there. Following the session, the commission conducted inspections of greenhouses and other pollution sources, establishing daily monitoring routines. 

Mirziyoyeva stressed the urgency of addressing air pollution in Tashkent and other cities. “The President has tasked me with mobilizing all available resources to quickly resolve this issue,” she said. 

She noted that the Special Commission has been actively working in recent days, conducting raids and taking strict action against violations of environmental laws. Reports from hokims and agency leaders on initial outcomes were reviewed during the meeting. 

Mirziyoyeva underlined that decisions must be systemic, improving current environmental conditions and preventing future disasters. “The nation’s health cannot be secondary. The fight for clean air, water, and a favorable ecology is a top priority,” she said. 

Daily inspections are carried out by environmental and law enforcement officers. Mirziyoyeva personally joined a check at a greenhouse in the Kibray district, where around 150 kilograms of coal were found to be burned daily. “This naturally causes significant environmental harm. Entrepreneurs must be accountable for their actions; ecological damage cannot be justified by profit. The harm to public health from such practices far exceeds economic gains,” she said. 

At the same time, the Head of the Administration highlighted the importance of supporting lawful and safe business operations. By her directive, the Ecology Committee will install a modern filtration system in one day, provide a training seminar for entrepreneurs, and organize a fair for purchasing air purification equipment.