The situation at the "25th Anniversary of Independence" (M25) gas field remains unstable, as evident in video footage taken on January 18. Kun.uz visited the site to investigate, revealing large and small cracks around the main well, with flames continuously burning from them.
Upon closer inspection, gas can be seen burning under high pressure, while a strong, unpleasant odor spreads across the area.
Residents of Kofrun village are concerned about officials' indifference. According to a local resident, law enforcement officers have been pressuring those who give interviews to media outlets and bloggers. This pressure reportedly stems from bloggers breaking their promise to keep sources anonymous. As a result, some residents now refuse to speak out.
"One blogger came and promised to publish the issue, but in the end, nothing was posted. Then, a young woman was pressured, and even her family was targeted. My wife spoke out about the situation, and later, she was summoned by law enforcement officers. After that, she ended up in the hospital. Since then, I have been afraid to talk. The gas emissions are still there; they appear in the mornings and evenings. The gas coming from underground is dangerous," said one resident of Kofrun village.
According to a representative of the public utilities department, the smell of gas usually appears when the wind picks up.
"In the past, we were disturbed by the gas smell, but now we’ve gotten used to it. It’s like eating the same food repeatedly — you struggle at first, but then you adapt. Still, it must have some negative effects. They say everything is fine if we go to the neighborhood office, but when we approach the fire pits and ask about the situation, the site inspectors immediately tell us to leave, saying, 'This is none of your business. Get out of here’," he said.
During the investigation, some residents claimed that the gas emissions did not negatively impact them, while others argued that cases of allergic diseases, especially among children, were increasing.
"Allergies and rashes have become more common. They say it’s because of the gas. Adults are also affected. Recently, my relative's face developed rashes, so she went to Tashkent for treatment. The doctors said it was an allergy caused by the gas. The condition keeps recurring. Weeks later, the rashes came back. Such cases are more frequent among women.
