The key facts

  • Goal to reduce rescuer arrival time: 5–7 minutes in cities, 15–20 minutes outside them
  • Of 56 reservoirs, rescue services exist at only four; tourism is organized at five, with potential at 25 more
  • Proposed are certification of tourism services, halving taxes until October 1, 2029, and a 120-day deferral of customs payments

Presentation on response system reform

On October 20, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on improving the system of rapid response to emergencies, streamlining the use of reservoirs, and ensuring the safety of adjacent areas, the press service of the head of state reported. The presentation noted that urban growth, technological development, and climate change pose new challenges for the rescue service, while the location, buildings, and equipment of a number of fire and rescue units do not fully meet the requirements of rapid assistance.

The “golden minute” and new units

The President emphasized that the main criterion for updating the system should be saving human life. The task was set to implement the “golden minute” rule and reduce rescuer arrival time to 5–7 minutes in cities and 15–20 minutes outside them. Plans include reorganizing and equipping 25 fire and rescue units in districts and cities with populations over 250,000 with modern equipment, as well as creating the national multidisciplinary specialized rescue center “Madad,” an aviation rescue unit, and a research center for emergency management.

The “112” service and digital technologies

Improving the operation of the unified dispatch service “112” was considered: tracking the process from receiving a call to its execution and strengthening information exchange between services. The need for broader use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in the sector was noted.

Rescue services at reservoirs

Of the 56 operating reservoirs, professional rescue services have been established at only four. Using the Karkidon reservoir as an example, it was proposed to organize a professional rescue system. Plans include training rescue divers through dual education at a technical school and training staff of tourism facilities in emergency response and first aid. Mirziyoyev instructed responsible officials to take measures to organize professional rescue units at reservoirs and to establish specific safety requirements at tourism facilities.

Tourism and support measures for entrepreneurs

Tourism activities are currently organized at five reservoirs, and 25 more facilities have potential for developing such services. Tourism development in these areas could help attract investment, create jobs, and increase tourist flow, with safety requirements named as the priority. It is proposed to introduce certification of tourism services, require entrepreneurs to conclude contracts with professional rescue services, and equip recreation areas with rescue boats, observation towers, and water depth markers. For entrepreneurs providing tourism services near reservoirs, support measures are proposed: halving land and property tax rates until October 1, 2029, as well as a deferral or installment payment of customs duties for 120 days when importing GPS equipment, rescue, and protective equipment.