Ministry of Ecology records nearly 300 air pollution violations across Uzbekistan in eight months

In the first eight months of this year, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change identified 281 cases of air pollution violations, the ministry’s press service reported.

Regional task forces carried out 174 night raids and registered 1,452 facilities with potential harmful emissions – including greenhouses, industrial enterprises, and others. As a result, administrative protocols were issued against 154 individuals, and the ministry filed lawsuits seeking the temporary suspension of 20 facilities.

By the time of publication, 179 violations had been addressed. Under orders from inspectors, business owners installed 11 modern boilers, 19 filters, and 12 dust collectors.

Administrative penalties were imposed in 91 cases, according to the ministry. In addition, the operations of 57 enterprises were suspended until they eliminate the identified violations.

During the winter of 2024–2025, the ministry inspected 630 greenhouses around Tashkent. Of these, 40 were found burning rubber waste and car tires, while inspectors also detected violations in chimney use. Lawsuits were filed to halt the operations of 32 greenhouses that failed to meet environmental standards.

The ministry stressed the dangers of burning tires, which contain toxic substances such as sulfur, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals including mercury, cadmium, and lead. Their combustion releases dioxins, furans, and other poisonous compounds into the air.