Tashkent Among Top Polluted Cities Globally
Air quality in Tashkent has significantly declined in recent weeks, with toxic PM2.5 particles increasing by 15 times. The Ministry of Ecology attributes this degradation to weak winds, temperature inversions, poor atmospheric ventilation, heavy urban traffic, large-scale construction projects, and a lack of green spaces.
As of October 2 at 9:00 AM, the concentration of PM2.5 particles in Tashkent exceeded the World Health Organization’s standard by 8.4 times. Throughout September, the city experienced periodic spikes in pollution levels. In response to inquiries from Kun.uz, the Ministry of Ecology shed light on the sources of this air pollution.
The ministry outlined that dust pollution in Uzbekistan stems from both natural and human-induced factors. The country’s arid climate, sandy and loamy soils, urban transportation, industrial activities, and construction all contribute to the escalating pollution levels. Moreover, inadequate air circulation, heavy traffic, road congestion, and a lack of greenery worsen the situation.
Tashkent is home to over 638,800 registered vehicles, with an additional 150,000 to 300,000 cars entering the city daily. Vehicle emissions in the capital reached 212,400 tons of pollutants in 2021, a figure that surged to 403,000 tons in 2022—an increase of 190,600 tons (47.3%).
On the evening of September 29, fine particle concentrations (PM2.5) in Tashkent peaked at 166 µg/m³, ranking the city as the world’s second most polluted in the IQAir international air quality database.
Efforts to combat air pollution in Tashkent will be crucial in safeguarding public health and the environment. Implementing stringent regulations on emissions, promoting sustainable transportation practices, and enhancing green infrastructure are imperative steps to improve air quality in the city.
