Uzbekistan has introduced emergency air-quality measures for Tashkent, granting authorities expanded powers to restrict polluting activities. A special commission, created by presidential decree, can temporarily or fully halt operations of industrial sites, transport and greenhouses during periods of elevated dust and pollution.
One of the most significant changes concerns controlled-environment agriculture around Tashkent. Greenhouses lacking functional dust and gas filtration equipment risk temporary or full closure.
Penalties are being sharply increased: 5× higher fines for legal entities and 3× higher fines for individuals operating greenhouses over 200 m² without proper filtration.
In cases where greenhouses burn prohibited fuels or waste, such as tires, bitumen, used motor oil, plastics or rubber, criminal liability will be introduced, including potential confiscation of the greenhouse by the state.
To reduce emissions from solid-fuel heating, all greenhouses in Tashkent and surrounding districts will be transitioned to natural gas. The Ministry of Energy has one week to sign supply contracts with greenhouse operators and ensure continuous gas delivery.
Source: repost.uz
