M25 gas mine continues threatening Boysun district residents

The situation at the "25th Anniversary of Independence" (M25) gas field remains unstable, as evident in video footage taken on January 18. Kun.uz visited the site to investigate, revealing large and small cracks around the main well, with flames continuously burning from them.

Upon closer inspection, gas can be seen burning under high pressure, while a strong, unpleasant odor spreads across the area.

Residents of Kofrun village are concerned about officials' indifference. According to a local resident, law enforcement officers have been pressuring those who give interviews to media outlets and bloggers. This pressure reportedly stems from bloggers breaking their promise to keep sources anonymous. As a result, some residents now refuse to speak out.

"One blogger came and promised to publish the issue, but in the end, nothing was posted. Then, a young woman was pressured, and even her family was targeted. My wife spoke out about the situation, and later, she was summoned by law enforcement officers. After that, she ended up in the hospital. Since then, I have been afraid to talk. The gas emissions are still there; they appear in the mornings and evenings. The gas coming from underground is dangerous," said one resident of Kofrun village.

According to a representative of the public utilities department, the smell of gas usually appears when the wind picks up.

"In the past, we were disturbed by the gas smell, but now we’ve gotten used to it. It’s like eating the same food repeatedly — you struggle at first, but then you adapt. Still, it must have some negative effects. They say everything is fine if we go to the neighborhood office, but when we approach the fire pits and ask about the situation, the site inspectors immediately tell us to leave, saying, 'This is none of your business. Get out of here’," he said.

During the investigation, some residents claimed that the gas emissions did not negatively impact them, while others argued that cases of allergic diseases, especially among children, were increasing.

"Allergies and rashes have become more common. They say it’s because of the gas. Adults are also affected. Recently, my relative's face developed rashes, so she went to Tashkent for treatment. The doctors said it was an allergy caused by the gas. The condition keeps recurring. Weeks later, the rashes came back. Such cases are more frequent among women.

As for us, we can manage, but doctors should come and examine the students' condition. Yet, they don’t. Experts from Boysun or Termez should conduct free tests to determine whether the gas is affecting the students, but no one does. Many try to hide the situation and avoid blaming others. We don’t know what will happen, but there is a fear among the people," said a local woman.

Concerned about their children's health, some families have already left the village, and there are reportedly more than 50 active fire pits in the area.

"Some families have moved away, and the number of students has decreased. More than 50 students have transferred to other schools. Parents took their children and left. Since September, we have kept track of those who moved out.

Sometimes we don’t notice the gas smell, but they say it becomes stronger during warm weather. There are more than 50 fire pits, but we haven’t seen them all. Those who have crossed the valley say there are burning sites on both sides. Inspectors don’t provide any information. Right now, some people believe there is no future for this village, so they are buying houses in Tashkent or Termez and moving away. Those who haven’t moved yet are securing backup housing elsewhere," local women told Kun.uz.

While listening to residents, we noticed a woman collecting straw for baking bread in a tandoor oven. She said there is no clear decision from officials regarding whether the village will be evacuated or not.

"Governors keep coming and going, but they don’t say anything about the gas issue. Many people believe the gas is harmful. Some are even afraid to work here. Two people have died because of the gas emissions. There are no job opportunities in the village except in kindergartens and schools, but only those who studied can get jobs there. Since the gas field is far from us, we don’t smell it as much. But no one tells us whether we should stay or leave. Right now, we are hesitant even to renovate our homes or build new ones," she said.

Residents worry that while the toxic gas smell may not always be strong, the increasing number of allergic diseases among children is alarming. In November 2024, the gas field exploded again, and afterward, fires and the foul smell slightly decreased. At that time, Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamahmudov stated that it would take 2–3 months to stabilize the situation. However, three months have passed, and the minister has not provided any updates. Kun.uz's inquiries regarding the matter have also gone unanswered.