Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of Uzbekistan commented on air pollution in Tashkent.

Today, the increasing level of air pollution in large cities, including Tashkent, is associated with an increase in emissions from electrical and thermal energy sources and from vehicles, which requires the development of measures to diversify them.

According to the ministry, air pollution in the capital is influenced by the following factors:

1. Illegal cutting of trees: During the moratorium period, about 49 thousand trees were illegally cut down.

2. Construction work without approval of urban planning plans: despite the announcement of a moratorium on construction work, it continues without approval of master urban planning plans.

3. Increase in emissions from transport: An increase in the number of vehicles in the republic, especially those using A-80 gasoline, which does not meet international standards.

4. Increasing use of hydrocarbons: Increasing demand for energy resources, including hydrocarbons, leads to environmental pollution.

5. Use of fuel oil for district heating: In winter, fuel oil is used as additional fuel, which causes air pollution.

6. Natural factors: Wind direction and speed, air temperature, solar radiation, precipitation and other natural factors affect the quality of atmospheric air, especially when Tashkent is surrounded by mountains.

To solve the problem of air pollution, the following measures have been proposed:

- Installation of dust and gas cleaning devices at industrial enterprises.

- Limiting the movement of freight vehicles during peak hours.

- Prohibition on the use of fuel below the Euro-4 environmental standard.

- Introduction of benefits for vehicle owners when switching to modern cars, including electric vehicles.

- Organization of vehicle-free zones on the central streets of the city.

- Transfer of public transport to the use of alternative fuels.

- Declaration of a moratorium on the construction of all objects, except those of social and national importance.

- Ban on the use of coal in industry in areas adjacent to Tashkent.

- Creation of artificial reservoirs to stabilize the microclimate and reduce air pollution.

- Implementation of driving rules on “odd and even” days to optimize traffic flow.

- Installation of scoreboards and monitors displaying atmospheric air quality indicators.