According to the draft of the 2024 state program, some measures to combat dust storms and mitigate their consequences are being promoted in Uzbekistan.

In accordance with the project, from March 1, 2024:

•  when a dust storm occurs in the regions and when it is determined that fine dispersed particles in the air are higher than the set norm, the practice of constantly informing the population, especially citizens suffering from heart, blood vessel and respiratory diseases, about the necessary preventive measures will be established;
•  in the construction area of 500 square meters and more, mandatory requirements will be introduced to eliminate the rising of dust and sand particles into the air on the entrance and exit roads;
•  the movement of motor vehicles belonging to the category N2, N3, O4, intended for cargo transportation, with a permissible total weight of more than 10 tons, is prohibited at short intervals; however, this limitation does not apply to special service vehicles, including utility, landscaping and Armed Forces freight vehicles.

It is noted that until 2030, the operation of cars that do not comply with Euro-5 and higher standards may be gradually restricted in the cities of Tashkent and Nukus, regional centers.

Also, it is proposed to mark one working day of the month as “car-free day” aimed at reducing car traffic.

In this regard, leaders and employees of all republican and regional executive bodies whose premises are located in Tashkent city are required to set an example to the population by coming to the workplace by public transport.