Tashkent Region Clear of Air Pollution – Ministry of Ecology Reports
The Ministry of Ecology in response to Tashkent being ranked among the world’s most polluted cities by the IQAir air quality monitoring portal conducted inspections to assess greenhouse emissions in three districts of the capital region. The results of the inspections confirmed that PM-2.5 and PM-10 pollutant levels remained within established limits.
On February 4, a mobile laboratory was used to analyze air pollution at nine points along the Tashkent Ring Road, covering the area from the Eshonguzar residential settlement to the Tashkent Pediatric Medical Institute. The ministry’s press service stated that existing greenhouses are continuously monitored to prevent the use of harmful materials such as tires, cellophane, and poultry manure for heating. Preventive measures have also been implemented to ensure that greenhouse chimneys are equipped with dust and gas filtration devices meeting state standards.
The State Environmental Control Inspection conducted monitoring efforts using Google Maps, examining 357 greenhouses covering 318.265 hectares in areas with increased air pollution. The breakdown by district revealed that in Zangiota district, there were 145 greenhouses covering 138.28 hectares, in Qibray district, there were 134 greenhouses covering 142.84 hectares, and in Tashkent district, there were 78 greenhouses covering 37.145 hectares.
Of the greenhouses inspected, 258 were operational while 99 were seasonal and inactive due to a lack of heating systems. The types of crops being cultivated in the greenhouses included cucumbers, tomatoes, flowers, greens, lemons, and other seedlings. Heating sources varied with coal, hot water, and natural gas being the most common. Some greenhouses had environmental assessment reports and filtration systems in place.
During the inspections, 27 greenhouse owners were fined for violating chimney usage regulations. Legal claims were filed to suspend the activities of 33 non-compliant greenhouses, and 166 greenhouse owners were warned that failure to install dust and gas purification equipment meeting state standards would result in fines in accordance with the law. These efforts are part of ongoing initiatives to improve air quality in Tashkent and address pollution concerns in the city.
