Tashkent region begins relocating greenhouses to Surkhandarya

According to the Ministry of Ecology, a special commission has started work in Qibray, Tashkent, Zangiota, and Yuqori Chirchiq districts. The commission is overseeing the dismantling of greenhouses and disconnecting them from artificial heating systems.

Before the process begins, greenhouse owners are being briefed on the conditions for relocating their facilities to the Surkhan-Agro Free Economic Zone in Sherabad district of Surkhandarya region, including the incentives available under the government program. Once consultations are completed, heating systems will be disconnected and the relevant service agreements terminated.

The relocation initiative follows concerns over air pollution caused by greenhouse heating during the autumn and winter seasons. According to the ministry, many greenhouses relied on coal, fuel oil, used vehicle tires, and other highly polluting fuels for heating, resulting in emissions that exceeded permitted limits.

Officials say the emissions had a significant impact not only on the environment but also on public health.

During inspections carried out by the special commission, enforcement measures were taken against greenhouses found to be using prohibited or environmentally harmful fuels. The relocation program is also based on presidential and government decisions calling for greenhouse operations to be moved to regions with more suitable natural conditions.

Under a government resolution, entrepreneurs who relocate their greenhouses to the Surkhan-Agro Free Economic Zone will be eligible for a five-year extension on loan repayments, including a grace period of up to three years. They will also receive compensation covering the costs of dismantling, transporting, and reinstalling greenhouses of up to UZS 500,000 for every 100 square meters of greenhouse area.