SOCIETY | 16:14 / 19.02.2025
933
3 min read

Over 100 greenhouses found to exceed atmospheric emission standards

A special task force led by the General Prosecutor's Office conducted environmental inspections across Tashkent city and the Tashkent region, uncovering widespread violations of emission standards.

According to the Ministry of Ecology's press service, a total of 762 facilities were found to be in violation of regulations related to gas, dust, and smoke emissions. These included 450 social sector facilities, 209 industrial enterprises, and 103 greenhouses, all exceeding atmospheric emission limits.

Specifically, 83 greenhouses were operating without a positive environmental assessment, while 70 facilities were using substandard boilers. Additionally, 24 sites lacked filters or dust and gas catchers.

Furthermore, 40 industrial facilities failed to pass environmental expert assessments, and 108 enterprises were operating without proper filtration systems. The task force also found that 39 sites had ineffective purification systems, and 29 had emissions that exceeded the allowable limits.

The inspections also uncovered 18 cases of unsafe medical waste incineration and five instances of chimney blockages at social facilities. In all cases, management was issued orders to rectify the violations.

In mid-January, the Ministry of Ecology announced the suspension of operations at 46 seasonal greenhouses and imposed fines on 37 owners. The following week, eight more greenhouse enterprises were fined, adding to the 27 penalized earlier.

Greenhouses without gas supply

In the fall of 2022, greenhouse owners complained en masse about the suspension of gas supplies. The Ministry of Energy explained that the transition to "alternative fuels" was a mandatory requirement outlined in gas supply contracts.

At that time, Sardor Umurzakov, the then-head of the Presidential Administration, instructed that gas supplies be urgently restored to greenhouses to preserve their crops. He also tasked authorities with providing financial support for energy payments to affected facilities.

Throughout 2023, various measures to transition greenhouses from gas to coal were repeatedly announced. To encourage this transition, subsidies, concessional loans, and compensation for the purchase of coal boilers were offered.

On December 12, 2024, Hududgaztaminot announced temporary restrictions on gas supplies to greenhouses due to a sharp temperature drop. These measures were planned to be lifted once gas pressure was restored.

Related News