The key facts

  • From 8:00 p.m. on November 5, the air in Tashkent was 'unhealthy' on the international AQI, and 'moderate' by the morning of November 6; on the national index it was 'green'
  • The deterioration was caused by weak wind and the accumulation of PM particles in the surface layer; dispersion occurred after midnight
  • Responding to citizens' complaints, the Eco-Police found violations at LLC 'N.H.P' and at a construction site

Nighttime deterioration and morning improvement

On the night of November 6, air quality in Tashkent deteriorated noticeably, but by morning the situation had normalized. According to data from the Ecological Committee cited by Zamon.uz, starting from 8:00 p.m. on November 5, the air in the capital, measured by the international Air Quality Index (AQI), dropped to the 'unhealthy' level. After midnight the quality improved, and by morning it was recorded at the 'moderate' level. On the national index, the reading remained 'yellow' until midnight and then reached the 'green' level.

Why the air became 'unhealthy' and what changed

In the evening, weak wind hindered the dispersion of atmospheric emissions and PM particles formed in local and neighboring areas, so pollutants accumulated in the surface layer. After midnight, three factors changed the situation: the inflow of warm, dry air from the east, stronger winds, and improved air exchange — as a result, the PM particles dispersed. Specialists from the National Center for Environmental Monitoring additionally carried out instrumental air quality measurements in Tashkent and the Kibray district. For residents, this means that the morning readings on the national index no longer required any restrictions, although on the international scale the air remained only 'moderate' — the two scales assess the situation differently.

Forecast and enforcement measures

According to forecasts, on November 6 the air quality in Tashkent is expected to be mostly unhealthy for sensitive groups on the international AQI, and mostly 'green', at times 'yellow', on the national index. Enforcement and inspection activities continue in the capital. The Eco-Police of the Ecological Committee, responding to citizens' complaints, examined the operations of LLC 'N.H.P' and identified violations of environmental requirements at the enterprise; serious environmental violations were also recorded at another construction site in Tashkent.