Uzbekistan Local Politics - The Times Of Central Asia

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Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Collaborate on Syr Darya River Automation to Improve Water Management

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are moving forward with plans to install ten automated measuring stations along the Syr Darya River, a project aimed at improving water resource management. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia in September 2024, this initiative was first discussed during meetings between Uzbek Minister of Water Resources Shavkat Khamroyev and Kazakh Minister of Water Resources Nurzhan Nurzhigitov. The discussions focused on automating and digitizing water accounting in the river basin. On January 7, the two countries announced that they had agreed to develop technical specifications for the project. Five stations will be installed in each country, with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) assisting in the development of draft technical specifications. Meanwhile, negotiations are ongoing with international financial institutions to secure funding for the project. “This is just the beginning,” stated Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Nurlan Aldamjarov. “Only the first ten sections have been identified so far, but we aim to automate all major hydro posts and ensure complete transparency in water accounting. We are also actively addressing this issue in talks with our Kyrgyz and Tajik counterparts.” The automation of water management systems is a critical step for both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as the Syr Darya River plays a vital role in supporting agriculture and ensuring water security in the region.

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Uzbekistan’s Gas Shortage Forces Residents to Use Coal, Firewood, and Dung

Despite Uzbekistan’s abundant natural gas reserves, many residents are turning to coal, firewood, and even dung for heating, leading to significant environmental problems, according to a report by Radio Azattyk. Experts warn of worsening air pollution and other ecological consequences, as highlighted by the International Energy Agency, while the government plans to expand coal use. Energy officials claim gas production exceeds domestic demand by threefold. However, production has been in decline for five consecutive years. Today, many households rely on coal and other alternatives for heating and cooking, while power plants that once operated on gas are transitioning to coal. According to the World Bank, in 2019, air pollution from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) led to 89 deaths per 100,000 people in Uzbekistan. Environmentalists argue that the increased reliance on coal accelerates climate change, while illegal tree cutting exacerbates ecological damage. Residents blame the government for failing to provide effective alternatives, a problem that worsens during the winter months. “In the city center, the gas pressure in the pipes is so low in winter that the stoves don’t warm. People are forced to burn coal, manure, and even fruit trees,” said Ferghana-based activist Abdusalom Ergashev. In response to widespread deforestation, the government has tightened regulations, with fines for illegal tree felling now reaching 17 million UZS (USD $1,300). Additionally, violators must plant 100 saplings for every tree cut down. In rural areas, families prepare for winter by collecting firewood, drying dung, and purchasing coal. The average household burns approximately 1.5 tons of coal per season, supplemented by cotton stalks, wood, and nut shells. Environmental consequences are becoming increasingly visible. In one video, popular blogger Akmal Isomiddinov highlighted the suffocating smog enveloping Ferghana, a phenomenon occurring across much of the country. Uzbekistan ranks among the leading nations in natural gas reserves, with an estimated 1.8 trillion cubic meters. However, its fields are depleting, and new developments require advanced technologies. Gas production in the first 10 months of 2024 totaled nearly 39 billion cubic meters, a 4.8% decline year-on-year. By comparison, production peaked at 61.6 billion cubic meters in 2018, dropping to 46.7 billion cubic meters in 2023. The government has set a goal to increase production by 33% and return to 2018 levels by 2030. Meanwhile, coal production continues to rise. From less than 4 million tons in 2016, output reached 6.5 million tons in 2023, with plans to increase production to 10 million tons by 2025. Thousands of schools, kindergartens, and hospitals were ordered to switch from gas to coal in 2023. Despite these challenges, the government asserts it is taking steps to combat climate change, including investing in green energy, providing subsidies for electric vehicles, and planting 200 million trees as part of a national campaign.

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Uzbekistan Evacuates 100 Injured Palestinians for Treatment and Care

Uzbekistan has evacuated 100 injured Palestinian women and children, along with their guardians, from Rafah to provide medical treatment and care. Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Egypt, Mansurbek Kilichev, shared the details with the Egyptian Ahram portal. The evacuation was initiated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in collaboration with the health ministries of Uzbekistan and Egypt. According to Kilichev, the evacuees will remain in Uzbekistan until it is safe enough for them to return to their homeland. Currently, they are being housed in rehabilitation centers and hospitals, where they are receiving medical care and recovery support. The Uzbek government is ensuring that the evacuees have access to housing, food, medical assistance, and education for the children during their stay. Kilichev affirmed that they are living in comfortable conditions. This initiative reflects Uzbekistan’s broader humanitarian efforts. In November, President Mirziyoyev addressed an Arab-Islamic summit on the issue of Palestine, calling for an end to military actions in Palestinian territories and the establishment of humanitarian corridors. He also expressed Uzbekistan’s readiness to host injured women and children for treatment and rehabilitation. Uzbekistan’s assistance to Palestinians is part of a sustained effort. Last year, President Mirziyoyev allocated $1.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to support Palestinian refugees in Gaza. This recent evacuation demonstrates Uzbekistan’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid while encouraging stability in the region.

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Uzbekistan Moves to Penalize Financing of Mass Disturbances

Uzbekistan’s Parliament, the Oliy Majlis, is taking decisive steps to address the organization and financing of public disturbances. On December 11, the Legislative Chamber approved a draft law amending Article 244 of the Criminal Code. Passed in its first reading, the amendments aim to strengthen the country’s legal framework for tackling mass disturbances. During a parliamentary session on December 24, the draft law advanced further, reaching its third reading and gaining adoption. The updated Article 244 introduces several significant changes: A new third section establishes specific liability for individuals undergoing training with the intent to participate in mass disturbances. A fourth section introduces fines for financing such activities. A fifth section provides an exemption from criminal liability for individuals who voluntarily report to law enforcement after undergoing such training. These amendments are designed to deter organized disturbances while promoting cooperation with authorities.

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Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Intensify Efforts to Combat Disinformation

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have agreed to deepen their collaboration in the information sector, focusing on combating disinformation and fake news. The agreement was formalized during a meeting between representatives from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information and Uzbekistan’s Agency of Information and Mass Communications under the President’s Administration in Tashkent. A cooperation plan for 2025 was signed, covering several initiatives, including media content exchange, training programs for journalists and press secretaries, and support for young media professionals. This agreement builds on commitments made during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Kazakhstan on August 8, when both nations adopted a joint statement on mass communication cooperation. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information emphasized the importance of establishing robust mechanisms to counter fake news and fostering media integration through collaborative projects. The meeting also highlighted plans to organize press tours aimed at enhancing journalistic expertise and strengthening professional ties. A key focus was the development of the Silk Way TV channel, presented by Robert Muradyan, Managing Director of Kazakhstan’s Presidential TV and Radio Complex. The channel is envisioned as a platform for expanding content exchange among Central Asian nations. Additionally, Kazakhstan’s delegation is participating in the VI meeting of ministers and officials responsible for media, hosted by the Organization of Turkic States from December 17 to 19. Both sides expressed their readiness to bolster cooperation, which they see as integral to achieving strategic goals in media development and countering information threats. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are proactively addressing the issue of disinformation through legislative and educational measures. In Kazakhstan, the dissemination of false information is punishable by administrative and criminal penalties, including fines or imprisonment of up to seven years, with the severity of the punishment determined by the level of harm caused. Uzbekistan has also taken significant steps. In September 2024, the First Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Media Forum was held in Tashkent, where participants discussed cooperative efforts to combat disinformation and improve media literacy. Uzbekistan is also implementing projects to establish cooperative mechanisms in the media sphere and organize press tours for journalists to enhance their skills. Both nations recognize the critical importance of combating disinformation to maintain the integrity of their media landscapes. By prioritizing educational initiatives, international collaboration, and media literacy, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are taking meaningful steps to ensure a more informed and resilient public.

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AIIB Approves $250 Million to Support Uzbekistan’s Climate Transition

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a $250 million program to support Uzbekistan’s transition to a green and sustainable economy. The funding will help Uzbekistan achieve its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit of GDP by 35% by 2030, compared to 2010 levels, and foster sustainable economic growth. The program focuses on three key areas. First, it aims to strengthen governance by improving climate policies and integrating climate goals into national decision-making processes. Second, it addresses better management of water and land resources, reduces climate risks, and supports economic development. Finally, the program promotes low-carbon solutions in energy, transportation, and e-mobility, with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainable practices. The initiative encourages state-owned enterprises to adopt climate risk disclosure practices and expand renewable energy projects. AIIB Vice President Konstantin Limitovskiy emphasized the importance of the collaboration between AIIB, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Uzbekistan. “By integrating climate priorities into economic planning, enhancing adaptation measures, and driving decarbonization in critical sectors like energy and transport, this program plays a key role in supporting Uzbekistan’s efforts to implement its 2030 national strategy and fulfill its Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement,” he said. Kanokpan Lao-Araya, the ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan, highlighted that climate change presents a substantial challenge to the country’s long-term economic stability. She emphasized that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) are collaborating to support Uzbekistan in achieving resilient, inclusive, and low-carbon economic growth. Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance will lead the program, with support from other government agencies. AIIB and ADB will oversee its implementation to ensure it aligns with Uzbekistan’s broader development goals.