Uzbekistan Strengthens Raids on Pollution Sources Amid Anticyclone

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A special commission in Uzbekistan has stepped up monitoring of air pollution sources amid a cold anticyclone, which meteorologists predict will affect the country until 5 December.

Since 29 November, the anticyclone has significantly strengthened, causing increased atmospheric pressure, lower temperatures, and the formation of an inversion—a natural phenomenon where dust, smoke, and fine particles accumulate in the lower layers of the atmosphere.

Ikrom Tagaev, a representative of the commission, stated that in the current adverse weather conditions, working groups continue round-the-clock raids to identify and eliminate violations.

He noted that while air pollution levels have slightly decreased in recent days, inversion processes slow the natural cleansing of the atmosphere.

Inspection Results (November 24–29):

Greenhouses:

1,788 greenhouses inspected;

Operations of 73 facilities suspended;

621 administrative protocols issued;

19 households provided with technical conditions for gas network connections.

Construction Sites:

53 illegal construction sites identified in Tashkent city and 477 in the region;

12 illegal sites dismantled;

Air pollution detected at 192 sites;

40 sites temporarily suspended operations;

215 individuals held administratively accountable;

Sprinkler systems installed at 54 sites to reduce dust.

Motor Transport:

1,959 drivers penalized for open cargo transport;

239 drivers fined for exceeding pollution norms;

8,879 violations of cargo transport rules recorded; 1,080 cases of road surface contamination documented.

Additional Environmental Measures:

183 streets and 165 public areas moistened;

137 km of irrigation channels cleaned;

126 fountains put into operation;

54 cases of illegal sand and gravel extraction identified in Tashkent region.

Authorities emphasize that efforts to reduce air pollution continue both operationally and strategically. The commission confirms round-the-clock inspections and intensified enforcement measures against violators to minimize the effects of adverse weather and improve air quality in the capital and surrounding areas.