Residents concerned over tree clearing near Islamic Civilization Center

Reports are circulating on social media about a new wave of tree clearing in Tashkent. QALAMPIR.UZ investigated the situation and visited Qorasaroy Street in the Hazrati Imom neighborhood of the Olmazor district.

Construction at the “Islamic Civilization Center” Site

Trees are being cut near the construction site of the “Islamic Civilization Center.” It is reported that a multi-level tunnel is planned to be built here. While the issue has been circulating online for over a day, no response has come from the district or city council deputies who made promises during the election period. Do pledges fade under pressure? Neither the Ministry of Construction nor the Ministry of Ecology has commented on the situation. It is unclear whether public opinion on the matter was consulted. A few years ago, during the construction of the “Islamic Civilization Center,” 241 homes in the area were demolished.

Observations and Public Concerns

The investigation revealed numerous roadside trees uprooted and removed. The public wonders whether these trees will be replanted elsewhere or if their life ends here. Residents claim these actions occurred in the past few days. According to one resident, officials told protesters that the public has no authority over activities outside their homes and assured them the trees would be relocated.

“By law, someone should ask for permission, but they haven’t asked anyone,” said another resident.

A local citizen disclosed that the trees were approximately 10 years old, planted by residents, and were cut down without any prior notice or approval.

“There were 7–8-year-old pine trees we planted ourselves. They needed them, so they took them. We couldn’t do anything,” shared the resident.

An elderly man criticized the city administration’s indifference, lamenting the loss of greenery and governance.

“They do whatever they want, cutting trees. They say the city has no boundaries anymore. There’s no one monitoring it. Water used to flow freely in the irrigation channels. That’s all gone,” he said.

Attempts to Clarify the Situation

Attempts were made to contact the Ministry of Ecology and Tashkent city administration. The Ministry did not respond to inquiries, but the city administration stated that the relocation of trees typically follows scientific conclusions from dendrologists at Tashkent's Botanical Garden and is coordinated with Ecology Ministry officials.

“According to procedures, a dendrologist from the Botanical Garden evaluates the trees—for instance, stating if the tree is healthy, whether it should be preserved or relocated to a specific spot near water, requiring three years of additional care. If a tree cannot survive a move, it is advised against. The scientific findings are submitted to the Ministry of Ecology, and only then is permission given to cut or relocate trees. I believe this process was not carried out without conclusions,” said Gulnoza Qosimova, the press secretary of Tashkent city administration.

Unanswered Questions

If the uprooted trees are to be replanted elsewhere, where is this location? What about the dozens of tree stumps hidden behind fences—who is responsible for them? These pressing questions remain unanswered.