In Uzbekistan, the Prosecutor General's Office has launched an investigation into violations related to the deterioration of air quality in Tashkent. Increased attention to the problem was prompted by posts on social media reporting that the capital ranks among the cities with the highest levels of pollution.
Air pollution levels in Dushanbe are also traditionally high. What are the authorities doing to reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere?
One and a half thousand violations in six months
According to the Committee for Environmental Protection, in the first half of this year, 1,548 violations of legislation in the field of atmospheric air protection and 542 cases of non-compliance with the requirements of the state environmental impact assessment were identified in Tajikistan. State authorities are actively conducting inspections and taking measures to improve the environmental situation in the country.
As part of measures to protect atmospheric air, the Environmental Protection Committee, together with other agencies, conducted inspections of a number of enterprises. Three large production facilities were found to have exceeded permissible waste discharge limits. The violators were brought to administrative responsibility, and the enterprises were issued orders to eliminate the violations, the implementation of which is being monitored.
Will sanctions help?
Among other measures, joint raids by Committee inspectors and Ministry of Internal Affairs officers are being conducted on roads in cities and districts to prevent pollutant emissions from vehicles.
Currently, control over the burning of rubbish and waste has been tightened, especially in the autumn period. Awareness-raising activities are being carried out to increase environmental awareness among the population.
Coal-fired enterprises have already reduced their emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere. Violations of the established norms are punishable by fines ranging from 100 to 200 calculation units. Fines are also imposed for burning leaves and rubbish, ranging from 10 to 20 calculation units.
In addition, failure to submit mandatory statistical reports, lack of permits for pollutant emissions, and failure to comply with obligations in the field of atmospheric air protection are considered serious offences, for which strict sanctions are provided.
However, there is an opinion that fines for environmental violations should be increased, because violations in this area are not decreasing, and no one is afraid of low fines.
Efforts to prevent environmental violations
In order to reduce the number of violations, the State Control Department for Air Use and Protection conducts ongoing informational work with the population and enterprises. Measures also include:
- educational activities through the media,
- publication of thematic articles in newspapers and magazines aimed at raising
- awareness of the harm caused by pollution and ways to prevent it.
If violations are detected at enterprises, official documents are drawn up indicating the problems identified, and orders are issued with mandatory instructions to eliminate the deficiencies, which include specific recommendations and methods for eliminating the violations.
A systematic approach, including both control and education, contributes to increasing environmental responsibility among enterprises and the population.
An important step remains the development of cooperation between government agencies, business and society to achieve the common goal of preserving clean air.
Inspections and monitoring
Large enterprises in the republic undergo annual inspections aimed at monitoring air quality. Air conditioning equipment has been installed at all waste sources, which allows emissions to be kept within the established limits.
Annual monitoring and the mandatory installation of modern waste treatment technologies at enterprises are important steps towards reducing air pollution. These measures confirm the state's commitment to preserving the environment and improving the quality of life of the population.
Transport – the main source of air pollution
The issue of air quality in Tajikistan remains relevant, especially for large cities. The main source of air pollution in Dushanbe is transport. To reduce the negative impact of transport on the environment, the following measures are being taken in the republic:
- Importing electric vehicles that do not harm the atmosphere. To encourage this process, their import is exempt from customs duties.
- Banning the use of vehicles manufactured before 2013, which reduces harmful emissions into the air.
Every year, Tajikistan conducts Operation Fresh Air, organised jointly with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The aim of the operation is to monitor compliance with environmental standards and reduce atmospheric pollution.
The development of infrastructure for electric vehicles and stricter control over the condition of vehicles on the roads play a key role in improving the environmental situation.