The Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change has announced the initiation of a study in the Tashkent region and several districts of the capital to identify the reasons for the exceedance of the established norms for pollutant emissions.
The research was conducted by a working group comprising employees from the State Environmental Supervision Inspection of the Ministry of Ecology, two environmental management departments, emergency situations departments, the National Guard, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Using a mobile laboratory for air pollution detection, an analysis of air quality was carried out at nine points along the Tashkent Ring Road. The results revealed a sharp increase in pollutant levels of PM-2.5 and PM-10.
The Ministry of Ecology reported on the examination of 486 greenhouses. Specifically, 46 of the active 440 greenhouses are seasonal and do not have boilers. Among them, there are 16 greenhouses in the Zangiata district, 10 in the Kibray district, 4 in the Tashkent district, 11 in the Yunusabad district, and 5 in the Mirzo-Ulugbek district.
As a result of control measures, 37 greenhouse owners were fined for violating boiler usage regulations, and the activities of 46 greenhouse operations were suspended.
Additionally, 426 greenhouse owners were warned about the necessity of installing dust and gas purification equipment that meets environmental standards, as well as the prohibition of using rubber waste and other materials as fuel.
Gas-Free Greenhouses
In the fall of 2022, greenhouse owners reported widespread gas supply cuts. The Ministry of Energy stated that the transition to "alternative fuel" is stipulated in gas supply contracts as a mandatory condition.
The then head of the Presidential Administration, Sardor Umurzakov, subsequently instructed the urgent restoration of gas supply to greenhouses to preserve their products. He also tasked with providing funds for energy payments to needy farms.
Throughout 2023, measures to transition greenhouses from gas to coal were repeatedly announced. In order to encourage this process, it was reported that subsidies, preferential loans, and compensation for the purchase of coal boilers would be provided.
On December 12, 2024, "Hududgazta'minot" announced the introduction of temporary restrictions on gas supply to greenhouses. These measures were implemented against the backdrop of a sharp drop in temperature, and they were planned to be lifted upon the restoration of gas pressure.
Earlier, Spot reported that photovoltaic stations with a capacity of 107 MW are planned to be built in the mahallas.