The key facts

  • The S.M. brick plant in Namangan region was temporarily suspended due to high dust and gas emissions
  • In Andijan region, inspections were carried out following citizens' complaints of breathing difficulties; two makeshift lime-burning kilns were eliminated
  • Air samples have been sent for laboratory analysis; measures based on the results have not yet been determined

What happened

Territorial departments of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change continue raids on ambient air quality and the review of citizens' complaints. On October 29, media outlets reported the results of inspections in two regions: in Andijan region — following residents' complaints, and in Namangan region — with the suspension of an enterprise. This was reported by Zamon.uz, Spot.uz and Kun.uz citing the press service of the Committee on Ecology.

Andijan region: citizens' complaints and makeshift kilns

The inspections in Andijan region were prompted by citizens' complaints about breathing difficulties caused by smoke and dust from lime and brick production plants. Specialists of the regional ecology department took the enterprises' activities under control, explained to the responsible persons the requirements for protecting ambient air and organizing production, examined the effectiveness of dust and gas purification equipment, and took samples for laboratory analysis. Measures provided for by legislation will be taken based on the results of the analyses — that is, the final assessment of pollution is not yet known. In addition, two makeshift lime-burning kilns identified on the site were eliminated; the Committee noted that measures 'in accordance with legislation' had been taken against the violators.

Namangan region: suspension of the S.M. plant

In Namangan region, a control raid at the S.M. brick enterprise revealed a high volume of dust and gas emissions into the atmosphere. The plant's operations have been temporarily suspended, and the responsible persons have been issued instructions (according to Spot.uz — directives) to remedy the shortcomings. This is an actual change in the enterprise's status: operations have already been halted, not merely planned; the publications do not report on the resumption of production or the deadlines for correcting the violations.

Context

According to the Committee on Ecology, raid activities continue in all regions of the republic. Spot.uz also recalls the special eco regime for greenhouses previously introduced in Tashkent and adjacent districts — this is a separate measure unrelated to the inspections in Andijan and Namangan regions.