Environment - The Times Of Central Asia

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Traffic Regulations

Kazakhstan May Introduce Traffic Restrictions Based on Beijing Model

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources has proposed that city authorities draw on Beijing’s experience in restricting private vehicle traffic on days with unfavorable weather conditions as part of efforts to combat air pollution. Beijing has operated an “even-odd” traffic system since 2011, under which vehicles with even-numbered license plates may drive on even dates, and those with odd-numbered plates on odd dates. While the measure in the Chinese capital was initially introduced to reduce traffic congestion, in Kazakhstan, it is being considered primarily as a tool to improve air quality. After reviewing Beijing’s practice, the ministry has instructed local authorities and regional environmental departments to prepare air protection plans for 2026-2028, including the possible introduction of similar restrictions. The ministry cited data from Kazhydromet indicating that by the end of 2025, eleven cities in Kazakhstan are expected to record persistently high levels of air pollution. The most affected cities remain Almaty, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Karaganda, Temirtau, and Aktobe. Despite the modernization of major industrial facilities and the adoption of best available technologies, a significant share of emissions originates from smaller sources, including motor vehicles, private households, and small businesses. In Almaty, approximately 60% of emissions are attributed to transport, while a further 12% comes from private homes and small boiler houses. A similar pattern is observed in Ust-Kamenogorsk. In response, the Ministry of Ecology has proposed that city authorities not only consider temporary traffic restrictions during periods of unfavorable weather but also accelerate the transition of public transport and taxis to electric and gas-powered vehicles, establish green belts around industrial zones, subsidize the gasification of private homes, promote connections to centralized heating systems, and ban the use of solid fuels in catering establishments and small boiler houses. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that the most severe smog and adverse weather conditions have recently been recorded in Ust-Kamenogorsk.

Air Pollution

Choking on Smog: Air Crisis in Öskemen Deepens

Heavy smog and sustained NMU-II adverse meteorological conditions reported by Kazhydromet continue to affect the city of Öskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk) in eastern Kazakhstan, after authorities moved all students in grades 0–11 to remote learning on February 2. The decision followed several days of windless weather and a temperature inversion that trapped pollutants close to the ground. According to Kazhydromet forecasts, unfavorable meteorological conditions are likely to remain in place, limiting dispersion. Air quality monitoring platforms show persistent spikes in fine particulate matter, raising renewed health concerns among residents. Data from IQAir indicates that PM2.5 concentrations in Öskemen have at times reached levels classified as “hazardous,” significantly exceeding World Health Organization guidelines. Live readings continue to fluctuate depending on wind and temperature shifts, but pollution levels remain elevated compared to recommended norms. Local authorities say the health of students remains the priority. The regional Department of Education confirmed that distance learning was introduced as a precautionary measure during the NMU-II period. Environmental specialists have advised residents to reduce outdoor activity, particularly children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. What’s Behind the Smog? Specialists attribute the pollution to a combination of meteorological and structural factors. A temperature inversion has created what meteorologists describe as a “thermal cap,” with warmer air overlaying colder surface air, preventing pollutants from dispersing. The absence of sustained wind has compounded the buildup. Öskemen is also one of Kazakhstan’s most industrialized cities, home to major metallurgical enterprises, a coal-fired thermal power plant, and titanium-magnesium production facilities. Vehicle emissions and winter heating from coal and firewood in private homes add to the concentration of fine particulate matter. The city’s geography further complicates the situation. Surrounded by mountainous terrain, Öskemen experiences restricted air circulation during stagnant winter conditions, allowing pollution to accumulate. Monitoring and Mitigation The East Kazakhstan Department of Ecology reported that an interagency task force, including Kazhydromet meteorologists and sanitary inspectors, conducted mobile laboratory monitoring during the peak of the episode. Authorities said industrial facilities reduced output under NMU protocols and that transport and municipal services were instructed to limit emissions. Officials stated that monitored pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur compounds, chlorides, and suspended particles, were measured daily. While authorities described overall average indicators as remaining within permissible limits, independent monitoring services recorded significantly higher short-term PM2.5 spikes. Public Reaction Residents have expressed frustration online, posting photos and videos showing the city enveloped in haze. In comments responding to official statements, users described sore throats, headaches, and difficulty breathing. One resident wrote: “It’s impossible to breathe in the city. This isn’t exaggeration, it’s reality. You, your children, your loved ones are breathing this air.” Others questioned the official assessment, asking why schools were closed if pollution posed no threat to public health. What Comes Next? Kazhydromet forecasts suggest that wind and snowfall could help disperse accumulated pollutants in the coming days. However, recurring winter smog episodes have reignited debate over industrial emissions, household coal use, and long-term urban air quality policy. In early February, regional Maslikhat...

Water-Saving Technologies

Kyrgyzstan Plans Full Transition to Water-Saving Irrigation in Issyk-Kul Region

Kyrgyzstan’s government is preparing to fully transition the Issyk-Kul region to water-saving irrigation technologies, offering farmers preferential financing amid growing concerns over falling water levels in the country’s largest lake and key tourist destination. Speaking in parliament on February 11, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry Bakyt Torobaev announced that farmers adopting drip or sprinkler irrigation systems will be eligible for low-interest loans at a preferential 2% rate. Lending is expected to begin next month. Torobaev emphasized the urgency of reducing agricultural water consumption to stabilize inflows into Lake Issyk-Kul. “If we switch to drip irrigation, more water will flow into Issyk-Kul. If we use all the water for agriculture, none of it may reach the lake. Therefore, our goal is to fully transition the Issyk-Kul region to drip and sprinkler irrigation,” he told lawmakers. Environmental pressure on the Issyk-Kul basin has intensified due to climate change and accelerated glacier retreat. The basin contains 957 glaciers, covering about 560.8 square kilometers, many of which are shrinking rapidly. Although around 120 rivers feed the lake, only about 80 reach it during the summer months due to irrigation withdrawals. Between 1927 and 2003, the lake’s level dropped by 2.75 meters, an effect largely attributed to inefficient water use. Policy support for conservation has recently been formalized. In December 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the Concept for the Sustainable Development of the Ecological and Economic System of Lake Issyk-Kul through 2030, alongside a detailed action plan prioritizing the adoption of water-saving agricultural technologies. Under current plans, modern irrigation systems will be installed on 100,000 hectares of farmland across the Issyk-Kul region, potentially redirecting up to 200 million cubic meters of water back into the lake annually. Nationwide, adoption of water-efficient irrigation remains limited but is accelerating. According to the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, modern irrigation technologies currently cover around 16,000 hectares. The authorities aim to expand that area by 30,000-40,000 hectares each year, targeting 200,000 hectares under water-saving irrigation by 2030. State-funded installations are also increasing. In 2026, drip and sprinkler systems are scheduled to be deployed on 5,270 hectares. Between 2024 and 2025, such systems were installed on 2,369 hectares, 641 hectares with drip irrigation, and 1,728 hectares with sprinkler systems. Kyrgyzstan currently has approximately 1 million hectares of irrigated agricultural land overall.

Wildlife Conservation

Up to Eighty Persian Leopards Now Roam Turkmenistan

Between 60 and 80 Caucasian leopards, also known as Persian leopards, currently inhabit Turkmenistan, according to extensive monitoring conducted throughout 2025. The findings confirm not only the stable presence of this rare predator in key ecological zones but also provide encouraging signs of population recovery. A recent report by Conservation X Labs estimates Turkmenistan’s Persian leopard population at 60-80 individuals. Most breeding activity occurs within protected natural reserves, while border zones serve as critical migration corridors that support the dispersal and genetic diversity of the species. The Persian leopard is one of the largest leopard subspecies and plays a vital role in maintaining biodiversity in Turkmenistan. The majority of the national population is concentrated along the Kopetdag Mountains, near the border with Iran. Camera trap data also confirms a significant presence in the Uly-Balkan Range, an area of ecological importance. It supports the potential repopulation of the Garabogazgol region and sustains habitat connectivity with neighboring Kazakhstan. The re-confirmed presence of leopards along the southern coast of Garabogazgol is viewed as a particularly meaningful indicator of the species’ gradual return to its historical range. In 2025, monitoring efforts were significantly expanded. A wide network of camera traps was deployed across key habitats, providing more accurate and consistent long-term data. The data confirms that individual leopards have been present in the same territories over multiple years. Notably, a third breeding female has now been recorded in the Uly-Balkan mountains, an important development for the species’ viability. Conservation X Labs researchers describe the findings as “an important step in the conservation of the species,” citing improvements in habitat quality, sufficient prey availability, and the cumulative impact of long-term conservation efforts. Despite this progress, the global outlook for the Persian leopard remains fragile. Experts estimate that the total wild population numbers between 750 and 1,044 individuals, including only 450-626 adults. The majority of these leopards live in fragmented and declining habitats across the region. As such, the subspecies is listed as endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Turkmenistan’s leopard population thus serves as a rare example of regional recovery, underscoring the importance of continued monitoring, cross-border cooperation, and sustained habitat protection.

Water Access

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan Resume Data Sharing on Reservoirs and Transboundary Rivers

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have renewed formal cooperation in hydrometeorology, agreeing to exchange key hydrological data on major reservoirs and transboundary rivers, a development officials say is vital for regional flood management and agricultural planning. The agreement covers data exchange on the Kirov, Orto-Tokoy, and Toktogul reservoirs, all located in Kyrgyzstan but directly influencing downstream water supply in Kazakhstan. The signing took place on February 9 in Astana, where Kyrgyzstan’s First Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations Mambetov Muratovich and Kazakhstan’s First Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Nurlan Aldamzharov endorsed a 2026-2028 cooperation program between Kazhydromet and the Kyrgyz Hydrometeorological Service. Key Components of the Agreement The three-year program includes: Regular exchange of hydrological data on shared rivers and reservoirs Joint forecasting of basin runoff and water accumulation Mutual hazard and storm warnings Scientific and technical collaboration Professional exchange between agencies Describing the agreement as an achievement of "water diplomacy," Aldamzharov emphasized that timely data is critical to protecting populations and infrastructure downstream, especially during peak water flow and flood risk periods. Strategic Role of Kyrgyz Water Infrastructure Kyrgyzstan plays a pivotal upstream role in Central Asia’s water system, delivering seasonal irrigation flows to southern Kazakhstan’s Turkistan, Kyzylorda, and Zhambyl regions via the Chu, Talas, and Syr Darya rivers. Each of the reservoirs included in the data-sharing agreement serves a distinct strategic function: Kirov Reservoir: Located in Kyrgyzstan’s Talas region, near the Kazakh border; vital for irrigating farmland on both sides. Orto-Tokoy Reservoir: Situated on the Chu River, which flows into Kazakhstan, it regulates seasonal supply for downstream agriculture. Toktogul Reservoir: Kyrgyzstan’s largest, located on the Naryn River, the principal tributary of the Syr Darya, one of Central Asia’s main water arteries feeding Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Water Resources, during the 2025 growing season, Zhambyl region received 160 million cubic meters of water via the Chu River and 427.5 million cubic meters via the Talas River under existing water allocation frameworks. Water Stress Ahead of Growing Season Authorities warn that the Syr Darya basin continues to experience low-flow conditions. Reduced inflows to the Naryn-Syr Darya system are threatening irrigation reliability for the upcoming agricultural season. The Toktogul Reservoir may reach near-record low levels, heightening risks for downstream farmers. In response, agricultural authorities in southern Kazakhstan have urged the adoption of water-saving irrigation technologies, a shift away from water-intensive crops, and greater reliance on drought-resistant varieties-steps that make access to reliable hydrological forecasts increasingly urgent.

Water Resources

Kyrgyz MP Questions Why Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Don’t Pay for Irrigation Water

A long-standing debate over Kyrgyzstan’s water resources resurfaced this week after a member of parliament questioned why Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan do not compensate Kyrgyzstan for irrigation water sourced from its reservoirs, according to a report by Kaktus Media. Speaking at a February 9 meeting of the parliamentary committee on agrarian policy, water resources, ecology, and subsoil use, MP Umbetaly Kydyraliev raised concerns about growing water shortages caused by climate change and the lack of economic return from water exports to neighboring countries. “About 80% of the water in our reservoirs goes to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan,” said Kydyraliev. “How are we resolving this issue with them?” Regional Cooperation vs. Compensation In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry Bakyt Torobaev explained that while Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are not making direct payments for water, they are contributing to major regional infrastructure projects, most notably, the Kambar-Ata-1 hydropower plant. Torobaev emphasized that cooperation is based on mutual benefit rather than transactional agreements. He noted that both countries have expressed strong interest in ensuring reliable access to water and have supported the hydropower initiative accordingly. Kambar-Ata-1: Strategic Investment Kambar-Ata-1, originally launched during the Soviet era and later shelved, is poised to become one of Central Asia’s largest hydropower plants. Once completed, it is expected to surpass the output of the Toktogul hydropower station, currently Kyrgyzstan’s main source of electricity. The plant's projected cost is around $3.6 billion. Who Should Pay for Upkeep? Kydyraliev also cited other key reservoirs, including Kempir-Abad (jointly managed with Uzbekistan), Kirov, and Orto-Tokoy, which remain under Kyrgyzstan’s jurisdiction. Annual intergovernmental commissions determine how much water is released from these facilities, yet no financial compensation is received. “Does this mean Kyrgyzstan gains no economic benefit from maintaining these hydropower facilities?” he asked. “We have to repair them, stabilize water levels, and inspect dams. These are real costs. Other countries pay for water under international law.” Official Position: No Demands for Payment Deputy Energy Minister Nasipbek Kerimov noted that the issue is being jointly studied by energy and water specialists. Torobaev added that details of these discussions are confidential but confirmed that President Sadyr Japarov has instructed officials not to demand payments from neighboring states for infrastructure maintenance. Instead, Kyrgyzstan will shoulder those costs itself, with any external assistance remaining voluntary.