The presentation covered emergency response, the use of reservoirs and surrounding areas, and measures to improve safety.
Mirziyoyev said that saving lives must remain the main priority in modernizing the emergency response system. He called for the introduction of the “golden minute” principle and set targets for rescue teams to reach incidents within 5–7 minutes in urban areas and 15–20 minutes outside urban centers.
The plans include reorganizing and equipping 25 fire and rescue units with modern equipment in cities and districts with populations exceeding 250,000. Officials also proposed establishing a national multidisciplinary special rescue center called Madad, an aviation rescue unit and a research center for emergency management.
The presentation also addressed improvements to the unified 112 dispatch service, including tracking emergency calls from receipt through resolution and strengthening information exchange between relevant agencies. Wider use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence was identified as another priority.
Rescue services to cover more reservoirs
Professional rescue services currently operate at only four of Uzbekistan’s 56 reservoirs. Officials proposed establishing a professional rescue system modeled on the one at Karkidon Reservoir.
Plans also include training rescue divers through a dual education system at a rescue training technical school. Employees of tourism facilities would receive training in emergency response and first aid.
Tourism development subject to safety requirements
Tourism services are currently available at five reservoirs, while another 25 have potential for tourism development. Officials said these areas could attract investment, create jobs and increase tourist numbers, provided that safety requirements remain the top priority.
Proposed measures include certifying tourism services and requiring businesses to sign contracts with professional rescue organizations. Recreation areas would also need rescue boats, observation towers and signs indicating water depth.
The presentation outlined proposed tax and customs incentives for businesses offering tourism services around reservoirs. These include allowing eligible businesses to pay half of their land and property taxes until October 1, 2029, and deferring or paying customs charges in installments over 120 days for GPS devices, rescue equipment and protective gear.
Officials also proposed directing proceeds from land sales in these areas toward developing external utility networks and road infrastructure.
Reservoir monitoring and emergency preparedness
The technical condition and safe operation of reservoirs were also reviewed. On-site inspections have been conducted at 25 reservoirs.
To detect potential hazards earlier, authorities plan to expand the use of local warning systems, video surveillance, seismological equipment and digital monitoring tools.
At the end of the presentation, Mirziyoyev instructed officials to improve the speed of emergency response, establish professional rescue services at reservoirs and clearly define safety requirements for tourism facilities.
