Uzbekistan Reports Rising Air Pollution Factors Amid Cold Anticyclone

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A special commission of Uzbekistan has reported an intensification of both natural and anthropogenic factors contributing to air pollution amid a powerful cold anticyclone, whose effects are expected to persist until 5 December.

Elevated atmospheric pressure, low temperatures, and prolonged inversion layers are causing the accumulation of dust, smoke, and fine particulate matter in the lower layers of the atmosphere.

According to the commission, during the inversion, particles barely rise, increasing the likelihood of dense fogs and reducing air quality during nighttime and morning hours.

Authorities have implemented large-scale measures to reduce anthropogenic impacts. Between 24 and 28 November, inspections were conducted across Tashkent and its suburbs. A total of 1,449 greenhouses were checked, with operations of 67 suspended. Administrative protocols were issued against 403 owners, and 19 facilities were provided with technical requirements for gasification.

In the construction sector, 53 illegal sites were identified, with work temporarily halted at 34 of them. There were 186 recorded cases of atmospheric pollution, and 188 individuals were held administratively accountable. Water sprayers were installed at 51 construction sites.

Transport monitoring was also intensified: 837 drivers were penalized for transporting goods in uncovered vehicles, and 206 for exceeding pollution norms.

Additionally, 121 km of irrigation channels were cleaned, 77 streets and 165 public areas were irrigated, and 126 fountains were activated. In Tashkent region, 54 cases of illegal extraction of sand and gravel from riverbeds were detected.

Monitoring data showed that PM2.5 levels decreased from 171 µg/m³ on 24 November to 97 µg/m³ on 28 November. However, due to persistent inversion layers, the clearing of air remains slow.

The special commission emphasized that efforts to identify and eliminate sources of pollution are being conducted around the clock, while government agencies are simultaneously developing long-term systemic solutions to improve air quality.