Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The launch of new enterprises posing environmental risks will be suspended in major cities of Uzbekistan starting from 1 May, according to a presidential decree issued as part of the State Program for 2025.

The ban applies to industries involved in the production of asbestos, cement, sludge, slag, leather tanning, and poultry farming. Restrictions will also extend to coal combustion without modern dust and gas filtration systems, ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy plants, glass manufacturing using toxic additives and chemicals, as well as waste processing and incineration facilities handling highly hazardous materials (Class I and II).

By 1 October, the Cabinet of Ministers will present a phased plan to relocate restricted industries from Tashkent, Nukus, and regional centers, including energy-intensive industrial facilities.

Additionally, from 1 May, environmental approvals will no longer be issued for new projects that could harm air quality in Tashkent, Nukus, and regional centers.

According to the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, these measures, along with the relocation of 168 existing industrial sites, will significantly enhance environmental sustainability across the regions.

At the same time, new jobs will be created in industrial zones, supported by the development of essential infrastructure such as transport networks, electricity, gas, and water supply systems. The closure of enterprises lacking effective dust and gas filtration systems is expected to lead to a substantial reduction in air pollution.

Furthermore, all coal-powered facilities will be required to install modern filtration systems.

The government also plans to implement industrial waste recycling programs, utilizing byproducts in construction materials production, promote bioenergy technologies at poultry farms, and establish wastewater treatment systems for leather processing plants.