Residents of Bishkek can now track air quality in real-time, thanks to a new initiative by Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision in partnership with Kyrgyztelecom OJSC. Cameras have been installed at strategic locations, including Mount Boz-Boltok, south of the capital, and the Sovmin residential complex in the southern part of Bishkek.
The live camera feeds, available at online.kt.kg, provide the public with a real-time view of air quality and smog levels in the city.
According to the Ministry, the project aims to raise public awareness about Bishkek’s environmental challenges and encourage environmentally responsible behavior among residents. The initiative also serves a broader purpose by creating a database for environmental monitoring and scientific research. Additionally, the availability of real-time footage helps prevent the spread of misinformation, such as the use of outdated video materials to manipulate public opinion.
Air pollution remains a serious issue for Bishkek, a city with over one million residents. The problem worsens during winter, as many households rely on coal for heating, significantly increasing harmful emissions. Bishkek regularly ranks among the world’s top 10 most polluted cities on IQAir’s global air quality index.
This initiative marks a step toward greater transparency and public engagement in addressing Bishkek’s air quality issues. By providing residents with accessible, real-time data, authorities hope to inspire collective action to combat pollution in the Kyrgyz capital.