President Mirziyoyev outlines plan to turn Tashkent into a greener, more livable city

The plan was presented at a meeting reviewing progress in the capital and setting priorities for the coming year. Officials were tasked with ensuring that Tashkent enters the list of the world’s 300 most environmentally sustainable cities, amid growing environmental pressures faced by major urban centers.

According to Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index, Tashkent currently ranks 471st among 1,000 cities worldwide. The president instructed responsible agencies to pursue consistent and long-term efforts to improve the city’s standing.

As part of the initiative, projects to build artificial lakes and ponds in four parts of the capital are to be prepared within three months, with construction to begin immediately. By June 1, each district is expected to open three shaded pedestrian streets, each five kilometers long. A separate program will also be launched to create one green park for every 10 neighborhoods.

In 2026, authorities plan to reinforce 18.5 kilometers of canal embankments, with green zones and recreational areas to be developed along these corridors. In addition, reinforcing a 16-kilometer stretch of the Chirchik River running through Bektemir, Sergeli and Yangihayot districts will free up an additional 800 hectares. Of this area, 200 hectares will be designated as a green belt, while 250 hectares will be used for internal roads, public spaces, pedestrian paths and bicycle lanes.

A master plan for the city’s drainage system has already been developed, with construction set to begin next year. The president stressed the importance of restoring water circulation across the city.

“Water must circulate in the irrigation channels on all city streets,” Mirziyoyev said.

Under the broader program, Tashkent will see the construction of 150 kilometers of covered drainage systems, repairs to 197 kilometers of canals and collectors, and the creation of 63 kilometers of new canals aimed at forming a cooler urban microclimate. Seventeen rainwater collection facilities will also be built, with the collected water used to irrigate trees and green areas.

Municipal services and emergency response agencies have been instructed to move to round-the-clock operations to prevent emergencies, respond swiftly to incidents and strengthen public safety across the capital.