Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On the night of 11 February, officials from the Ministry of Ecology, the General Prosecutor’s Office, the regional Department of Internal Affairs, the National Guard, the Tashkent Regional Ecology Department, as well as media representatives and bloggers, conducted an inspection of greenhouse operations in the suburbs of the capital.

To assess the functioning of more than 40 greenhouses in Zangiata, Qibray, and Tashkent districts, six working groups comprising 70 specialists were formed. The inspection revealed multiple violations of environmental regulations, including excessive emissions of harmful substances and the absence of proper filtration systems. As a result, 26 greenhouse operators received official warnings, while the owners of two facilities were fined for non-compliance.

These inspections are part of ongoing efforts by specialized task forces, which include representatives from the State Environmental Control Inspectorate, local ecology departments, the Prosecutor’s Office, the Emergency Situations Department, the National Guard, and law enforcement agencies. These teams regularly monitor environmental conditions, particularly in the autumn-winter season, to identify sources of air pollution, analyze emission levels, and prevent illegal energy use.

To date, 630 greenhouses in Tashkent and its surrounding region have been inspected. Of these, 396 are currently operational, while 234 are seasonal but have remained active due to the absence of boiler systems. The seasonal greenhouses are distributed across the following districts: Zangiata (77), Qibray (12), Tashkent (24), Yunusabad (108), Mirzo-Ulugbek (1), Yashnabad (9), and Bektemir (3).

During the heating season inspections, fines have been imposed on 58 greenhouse facilities, operations at 103 greenhouses have been suspended, and 396 greenhouses have been mandated to install air purification systems in compliance with environmental standards. Additionally, a ban has been introduced on burning rubber and other waste materials as fuel.

Environmental inspections are ongoing.