Saida Mirziyoyeva holds urgent meeting on capital’s environmental situation

On 24 November, Saida Mirziyoyeva, eldest daughter of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Head of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, convened an urgent meeting with the Administration and relevant agency heads to discuss immediate measures for improving the environmental situation in Tashkent. The information was reported by presidential spokesperson Sherzod Asadov.

During the meeting, officials noted that the recent levels of air pollution have caused serious concern, justifiably worrying residents, and require swift and coordinated action.

The Administration head listened to reports on the current state of the atmosphere, citizens’ complaints, and public suggestions and initiatives. The main factors affecting the situation, as well as measures to reduce negative impacts on public health and the environment, were thoroughly reviewed.

The briefing highlighted the need for strict measures against industrial facilities that violate established environmental standards. It was emphasized that when it comes to public health, there can be no compromise, and this principle must apply equally to both the state and businesses.

Based on expert assessments developed rapidly in recent days, Mirziyoyeva proposed a comprehensive set of recommendations covering immediate, medium-term, and long-term measures. These range from urgent interventions to systematic solutions aimed at preventing such situations in the future.

Specifically, the proposals included strengthening environmental monitoring, restricting the activities of polluting facilities, tightening construction regulations, implementing large-scale urban greening, and establishing a modern air quality control system.

“These measures will serve as the basis for a draft presidential decree to be submitted to the Head of State for consideration in the near future,” the statement noted.

It was also reported that Tashkent has recently ranked among the world’s cities with the most severe air pollution. For example, on 11 November, the levels of harmful dust in Tashkent and Andijan significantly exceeded permissible limits. On 16 November, the concentration of fine particulate matter in Tashkent’s air again rose several times above the norm. By 20 November, the capital ranked second among major global cities in terms of air pollution. Experts link the increased pollution to temperature inversions caused by sharp weather fluctuations, which trap harmful particles in the lower layers of the atmosphere. To improve air quality, the Tashkent Thermal Power Plant in Yakkasaray District has ceased using fuel oil.

Earlier, it was reported that the “Green Belt” and “Green Corridor” projects were being implemented in Tashkent to increase the number of trees, stabilize the environmental situation, and purify the city’s air.