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.
