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Kazakhstan Declares Kentau Industrial Zone an Ecological Emergency Area

The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Kazakhstan has officially designated the industrial zone of Kentau, located in the Turkestan region, as an ecological emergency area. Minister Yerlan Nysanbayev signed the corresponding order, introducing a special legal status for a 900-hectare zone on the city's northern outskirts. Restrictions and Emergency Measures Published on the government's official legal portal, the document outlines a series of prohibitions and restrictions intended to address the long-standing environmental crisis. The status is effective until January 1, 2075, and applies to an unpopulated industrial zone. The Akimat of the Turkestan region has been directed to consider implementing the following measures: Regulating vehicle entry and exit Prohibiting the construction of new facilities and expansion of existing enterprises unless related to mitigating the environmental disaster or supporting essential public services Resettling residents from hazardous zones, with the provision of temporary or permanent housing Banning the construction and operation of environmentally hazardous facilities Restricting the operations of health and resort institutions within the emergency area Forbidding activities that could endanger human health, flora, fauna, or the environment Additionally, the regional government is tasked with formulating a comprehensive action plan to stabilize the ecological situation and reduce environmental harm. Continuous monitoring will be carried out under Article 409 of Kazakhstan’s Environmental Code. [caption id="attachment_31795" align="aligncenter" width="1149"] Map-of the location declared an emergency zone; image: zan.gov.kz[/caption] Background of the Crisis Kentau, a city with regional subordination, lies at the southern base of the Karatau Ridge, approximately 24 kilometers from Turkestan and 190 kilometers from Shymkent. Founded in 1955 atop the former Mirgalimsay workers' settlement, the city grew around the development of the Achisai polymetallic deposit. Today, it has a population of around 75,000. The Kentau industrial zone has long hosted several major enterprises, whose operations have severely impacted the local environment. Calls for governmental intervention have intensified in recent years. In June 2024, Senator Murat Kadyrbek urged authorities to declare Kentau an ecological disaster zone and allocate 6 billion KZT ($12 million) in compensation to affected residents. He cited studies showing a decline in both public health and environmental quality. Kadyrbek also appealed to the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection to introduce a 20% salary allowance for public sector workers residing in the disaster zone. Environmental experts and activists have repeatedly flagged dangerous levels of air pollution, elevated concentrations of heavy metals in soil, poor water quality, and a radioactive anomaly within the agglomeration area. While the Ministry’s recent designation is seen as a positive step toward environmental stabilization, experts stress that sustained investment and strategic long-term planning will be essential for meaningful recovery. Kentau is not the only locality in the Turkestan region grappling with ecological issues. Other affected areas include the Shardara and Arys districts, as well as the city of Turkestan, all located within the pre-crisis zone of the desiccating Aral Sea.

6 days ago

Home Local Politics Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan Local Politics

Kyrgyz Security Agency Condemns Osh Mayor’s City Toll Plan

Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security (SCNS) has sharply criticized a controversial proposal by the mayor of Osh, the country's second-largest city, to introduce an entry fee for vehicles arriving from other regions. Mayor Jenishbek Toktorbayev raised the idea earlier this week during a municipal meeting focused on identifying new sources of revenue for the city budget. Arguing that Osh cannot rely indefinitely on central government support from Bishkek, Toktorbayev floated the possibility of charging motorists for access to the city. According to the mayor, Osh is home to over 500,000 residents, with the population exceeding 800,000 when accounting for daily inflows from neighboring areas. “About 56,000 vehicles enter Osh each day, leading to traffic jams, accidents, and air pollution,” he said. Toktorbayev proposed charging 50–100 KGS (approximately $0.60-$1.15) per car and 100-150 KGS per truck, estimating that such fees could generate around 2 million KGS daily. This could add up to an additional 3 billion KGS (roughly $34.5 million) in annual revenue for the city budget. However, the SCNS issued a strong rebuke, calling the idea unacceptable. In a statement cited by local media, the agency warned that the financial burden would disproportionately affect ordinary citizens, particularly low-income families. It added that higher delivery costs would likely be passed on to consumers, driving up prices for goods and services. The Committee urged all mayors and local officials to refrain from proposing such "crazy ideas" and instead focus on addressing the real challenges facing their constituents. Following public backlash and the SCNS statement, the Osh municipal government's Facebook page, which previously contained details about the mayor’s proposal, has become inaccessible. The notion of charging vehicle entry fees is not new in Kyrgyzstan. Last year, a similar proposal was floated for Bishkek as a potential solution to the capital’s worsening traffic congestion. However, President Sadyr Japarov rejected the idea, instead ordering the expansion of road infrastructure and the construction of new parking facilities. The Times of Central Asia has previously reported on Mayor Toktorbayev’s active economic agenda. Notably, his urban development plans have sparked public opposition, including from the head of the Russian Orthodox Church in Kyrgyzstan, who urged city authorities not to demolish a historic cemetery to make way for a new road.

1 month ago

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Uzbekistan to Generate Electricity from Household Waste

Uzbekistan is advancing plans to build waste-to-energy (WTE) plants across several regions as part of a broader strategy to improve waste management and generate electricity. Presidential decrees have approved investment projects in Tashkent and the regions of Andijan, Namangan, Ferghana, Tashkent, Kashkadarya, and Samarkand. These projects aim to modernize the country’s waste processing infrastructure while enhancing environmental sustainability and attracting direct investment into the energy and utilities sectors. Under the agreements, project companies will supply the electricity generated from waste to “Uzenergosotish” JSC through 30-year guaranteed purchase contracts. Equipment launches are scheduled between 2025 and 2027, with the following projected processing capacities: Tashkent Region: 2,500 tons of waste processed daily, generating 390 million kWh annually Andijan Region: 1,500 tons for 240 million kWh Kashkadarya Region: 1,500 tons for 240 million kWh Samarkand Region: 1,500 tons for 240 million kWh Namangan Region: 1,500 tons for 227.5 million kWh Ferghana Region: 1,500 tons for 227.5 million kWh Global Models for Waste-to-Energy The concept of converting household waste into energy is widely used in countries with advanced waste management systems. Sweden, for instance, has developed a highly efficient WTE infrastructure that provides heating to over 1 million households and electricity to approximately 680,000 homes. As of 2013, the country was importing roughly 800,000 tons of waste annually from neighboring states to meet the fuel demands of its power plants. Japan has also embraced WTE technology, largely due to its limited landfill capacity. By 2020, Japanese incineration plants had a combined power generation capacity of approximately 2,200 megawatts, contributing significantly to the national grid. Challenges and Considerations Despite its promise, WTE technology is not without challenges. If not properly managed, waste incineration can result in harmful emissions and air pollution. Ensuring that Uzbekistan’s facilities meet modern environmental standards will be critical to the success and sustainability of the initiative. The government’s move reflects a growing recognition of the need for cleaner, more sustainable energy sources while addressing the persistent issue of urban waste. If implemented effectively, these projects could mark a significant step toward Uzbekistan's green energy transition.

2 months ago

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Kazakhstan’s Karaganda Among World’s Most Polluted Cities as Central Asia Struggles with Air Quality

Kazakhstan’s Karaganda - the heartland of the nation's coal and metallurgical industries - was ranked as the world’s third most polluted city in 2024, according to the 2024 World Air Quality Report released by IQAir. The report evaluates global air quality for 2024, presenting PM2.5 air pollution data collected from 8,954 cities across 138 countries, regions, and territories. PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, is measured in micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³) and is a key indicator of air pollution. Karaganda recorded an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 104.8 µg/m³ in 2024. In comparison, Byrnihat, India, the world's most polluted city, had an average PM2.5 concentration of 128.2 µg/m³. Central Asian Cities in the Global Ranking Among the world’s most polluted cities, Central Asia’s major cities ranked as follows: Dushanbe, Tajikistan - 176th, PM2.5: 46.3 µg/m³ Tashkent, Uzbekistan - 510th, PM2.5: 31.4 µg/m³ Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan - 1009th, PM2.5: 21.2 µg/m³ Almaty, Kazakhstan - 1072nd, PM2.5: 20.3 µg/m³ Astana, Kazakhstan - 1608th, PM2.5: 15.4 µg/m³ Kazakhstan’s Regional Air Quality Standing In the ranking of the world's most polluted countries, Kazakhstan had the best air quality in Central Asia, ranking 71st globally. Other regional rankings were: Tajikistan - 6th most polluted country Uzbekistan - 19th Turkmenistan - 26th Kyrgyzstan - 41st Global Air Pollution Trends According to the report, only 17% of global cities met the World Health Organization (WHO) air pollution guideline for PM2.5. The seven countries that met the WHO’s annual average PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m³ were: Australia Bahamas Barbados Estonia Grenada Iceland New Zealand The five most polluted countries in 2024 were: Chad – 91.8 µg/m³ (more than 18 times higher than the WHO guideline) Bangladesh – 78.0 µg/m³ (more than 15 times higher) Pakistan – 73.7 µg/m³ (more than 14 times higher) Democratic Republic of the Congo – 58.2 µg/m³ (more than 11 times higher) India – 50.6 µg/m³ (more than 10 times higher) A total of 126 out of 138 countries (91.3%) exceeded the WHO’s annual PM2.5 guideline of 5 µg/m³. Air Pollution’s Impact on Human Health The report underscores that air pollution remains the greatest environmental threat to human health. According to the WHO, 99% of the global population lives in areas that do not meet recommended air quality levels. Air pollution is the second leading global risk factor for death and the second leading cause of death among children under five, following malnutrition. The health effects of air pollution include respiratory diseases, developmental issues, and increased mortality. In 2021 alone, 8.1 million deaths were attributed to air pollution, with 58% of those deaths caused by ambient PM2.5 pollution.

One working day each month will now be "Car-Free Day" in the capital of Uzbekistan. The plan is to reduce the environmental impact of vehicles and encourage people to use bicycles to get around the city. Restrictions will not apply to public transportation, or emergency vehicles. Government officials have been instructed to "set a personal example by arriving at the workplace on public transportation." The idea for car-free days originated in Switzerland in 1973, during a fuel crisis, before spreading to other European countries. In 1998 the European Union initiated a campaign called "In town, without my car!," which is held from September 16 to 22 every year. The need to reduce air pollution in Tashkent is especially acute. The Uzbek capital is among the five cities worldwide with the worst air quality -- and often tops the ranking. This was the case on February 21, for example, when the content of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 measurement) in the city's air amounted to 140.3 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter) -- which exceeded the WHO recommendations by a whopping 28.1 times (5 µg/m3). The public is sounding the alarm and calling on the Tashkent authorities to take urgent measures to prevent an ecological disaster. Specialists believe that single actions are not enough to preserve clean air in big cities; comprehensive work is needed to address the root causes of the pollution. This critical situation has prompted the government to include measures to improve the country's ecology in the large-scale state program for implementing the "Uzbekistan-2030" strategic roadmap. For example, it plans to phase out vehicles from the capital and regional centers that do not meet Euro-5 standards by 2030, and to ban trucks weighing more than 10 tons from driving through Tashkent -- except for those of the Armed Forces and municipal services. From March 1, the population will be notified about excessive content of fine particles in the local atmosphere, and measures will be taken to protect against dust at large construction sites (500 square meters and larger) in the country. Special attention will be paid to persons with diseases of the cardiovascular system and respiratory tract. In addition, Uzbekistan plans to abandon the production of 80-octane (AI-80) gasoline by 2026, in part to help popularize the use of electric cars and electric urban transport. Currently, the only countries that still produce AI-80 gasoline are Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. Medical experts believe that automotive exhaust is one of the main causes of lung cancer in humans. Yahye Ziyayev, Secretary General of the Uzbekistan Oncology Association, noted that "when AI-72 and AI-76 were banned in Uzbekistan, the incidence of lung cancer decreased over the course of ten years."

1 year ago

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Central Asia’s First Green University Opens in Uzbekistan

The Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University) was opened in Uzbekistan’s Tashkent Region on February 10th. The goal of the Green University is to introduce innovative ideas, practices and technologies for solving local, regional and global environmental problems, and strengthening regional cooperation in the field of ecology and environmental protection. The university’s opening ceremony was attended by the director general of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Grethel Aguilar, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, Aziz Abdukhakimov, and the environment ministers from all the Central Asian countries. Speaking at the event, Aguilar said: “We congratulate the government of Uzbekistan on the opening of the Central Asian Green University, a major regional initiative that serves to develop environmental leadership and education. This university will help solve the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. Through environmental education, the university will contribute to the conservation of a region rich in nature.” On the same day, the Green University hosted the opening of the first office of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Central Asia. Aguilar commented: “Today, our planet faces three major challenges – climate change, biodiversity loss, and air pollution. all countries must work together to solve these problems. Together with Uzbekistan and the countries of Central Asia, we are implementing new projects aimed at protecting the region’s ecosystem. The opening of the IUCN office is an important step in this direction”.

BISHKEK (TCA) — Kyrgyz Parliament Deputy Ekmat Baikabayev proposed introducing an additional tax for gasoline and diesel fuel use and allocating the raised funds to improve the environmental situation in the country. A draft Government Resolution on this issue has been submitted for public discussion. Continue reading

BISHKEK (TCA) — With the launch of the winter heating season, hundreds of coal-fired small boilers began to supply heat to the homes of Kyrgyzstan’s population. Some boilers this year have been transferred to natural gas, because the gas supply is more stable, effective and environmentally friendly. The others are still burning coal. Continue reading

9 years ago

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China relocating heavy enterprises to Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK (TCA) — As Kyrgyzstan badly needs to provide support to existing industries (many of which close to bankruptcy and with obsolete equipment) and create a new industrial zone to attract foreign investment and technology for domestic export-oriented production, we are republishing the following article by Cholpon Orozobekova, originally published by The Jamestown Foundation’s Eurasia Daily Monitor: Continue reading

9 years ago