Mahmudkhojaev shared a video on Facebook where he emphasized that residents suffer from worsening air quality, especially during colder months when greenhouses and other facilities burn various materials for heating. He highlighted the health risks for vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues, urging authorities to address the situation actively and involve the public in finding solutions.

In response, Tashkent’s municipal administration outlined its efforts to manage pollution sources. Authorities reported that a comprehensive registry has been established to track all facilities using internal combustion systems and solid fuels for heating. This includes an ongoing inspection campaign to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

To intensify control, a task force has been formed with representatives from the Ecology Department, Hydrometeorology Service (Uzhydromet), the State Committee on Environmental Protection, and other agencies. This team conducts on-site checks using specialized equipment to detect violations. The city administration emphasized that facilities using coal-burning equipment are now required to install filters to capture heavy and light particles. Firms using materials like rubber tires or oil-based fuels for heating must replace their equipment with coal-compatible, filtered alternatives or face temporary shutdowns during peak pollution seasons.

All potential air-polluting sources, from greenhouses to food establishments that use open flames, are now under closer scrutiny. Regular inspections will be conducted throughout the heating season, with plans to provide advisory support to businesses on modernizing their facilities in line with current environmental standards.

In a follow-up query by Kun.uz regarding the exact number of facilities added to the registry, the municipal press office confirmed that the list is expanding but did not disclose a specific number.

This regulatory push aligns with recent findings from the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan, which noted that over half of the 631 greenhouses around Tashkent rely on coal and sometimes burn rubber tires or other materials, intensifying air pollution. Public activists, including Sherzodkhon Kudratkhoja, have also raised awareness about the issue, connecting the problem to broader challenges in the gas and energy sectors.