Were Trees Cut Down at Night in Schools in Tashkent?

There were reports on social networks that workers were cutting trees at night with special equipment on the premises of general education schools No. 42 in the Shaikhontohur district and No. 48 in the Yakkasaroy district of Tashkent city. The Preschool and School Education Department of Tashkent city responded to this situation.

It was noted that additional educational buildings are currently being constructed on the grounds of these educational institutions. In this context, according to a conclusion presented by the Department of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Tashkent city, 38 trees in the area of school No. 42 and 47 trees in the area of school No. 48 in the Shaikhontohur district were removed without cutting and without causing any damage, as they were being relocated.

"All kinds of rumors on social networks that trees were cut down in the school area are groundless. In fact, trees are not being cut from the base. According to Decision No. 464 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated August 22, 2022, the trees are being moved to another location if all agrotechnical rules are followed. Unfortunately, we inform you that this situation is being misinterpreted by social network activists," the message reads.

We remind you that it was earlier reported that a hotel is being built on the site of the former building of the State Security Service, and perennial trees are being cut down and removed from the construction site. After that, the Tashkent City Ecology Department clarified the situation and informed that 26 oak trees are being transplanted to another area in accordance with the established procedure. However, a criminal case was later initiated in connection with this situation, and an investigation is currently underway. The Prosecutor General's Office announced that it has taken over the criminal case separately.