Georgia Boosts Oversight to Fight Air Pollution in Rustavi

As part of the national 2023-2025 air management strategy, Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection plans to implement stricter inspections and industrial upgrades to improve air quality in Rustavi.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture has announced tighter environmental controls on industrial activity in Rustavi following a high-level meeting with factory representatives focused on air quality challenges in the city, The Caspian Post reports, citing foreign media.

The meeting brought together Minister David Songulashvili, Deputy Minister Nino Tandilashvili, Rustavi Mayor Nino Latsabidze, members of Parliament and industry stakeholders. Discussions centered on reducing industrial emissions and addressing persistent pollution concerns affecting local residents.

As a result, the Environmental Oversight Department will further intensify inspections of industrial facilities operating in Rustavi. The ministry stated that major factories are already subject to continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental regulations but enforcement efforts will now be strengthened.

Deputy Minister Tandilashvili acknowledged that air quality indicators have shown some improvement in recent years but said unresolved problems remain, particularly related to unpleasant odors and localized pollution. She underlined the need for continued industrial modernization and the adoption of up-to-date environmental standards.

The ministry emphasized that improving air quality in Rustavi is a core objective of Georgia’s 2023-2025 Atmospheric Air Quality Management Plan which targets emissions from industry, construction, and transport. Rustavi is currently served by a modern air monitoring station that provides round-the-clock data to the National Environmental Agency, supporting evidence-based regulation and enforcement.