Air pollution levels in Uzbekistan, intensified by a temperature inversion, are expected to remain elevated until January 16-17, according to the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change.
In recent days, air quality across the country has worsened due to unfavorable meteorological conditions linked to a temperature inversion. Iskandar Qutbiddinov, deputy chair of the committee, explained that the situation is driven by sharp differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures-reaching up to 14 degrees in some areas-along with fog formation and weak wind speeds. These factors prevent pollutants from dispersing effectively in the atmosphere, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.
Experts estimate that the adverse conditions will persist until mid-January. However, the arrival of anticyclones is expected to bring precipitation and stronger winds, which should contribute to an improvement and normalization of air quality.
According to information from UzHydromet, as of 9:00 a.m. on January 8, concentrations of PM10 fine particulate matter in Tashkent’s ambient air did not exceed permissible limits. However, PM2.5 concentrations reached 101 µg/m³, exceeding the allowable standard of 60 µg/m³ by 1.7 times.
Qutbiddinov noted that the special commission has not suspended its activities and is providing the public with regular updates on the environmental situation while coordinating the work of relevant agencies. At present, the commission is focusing on environmental inspections and control measures at industrial and economic facilities.
To reduce the anthropogenic, that is, human-induced, burden on ambient air during adverse weather conditions, the operating capacity of some enterprises is being restricted, while the activities of others are being temporarily halted.
Between January 1 and January 7, inspections were carried out at 12 industrial enterprises in Tashkent and 22 in the Tashkent region, and enforcement measures were taken. Administrative action was also applied against dozens of vehicles found to be polluting the air. At the same time, preventive measures are underway - monitoring of emission sources has been intensified, and air quality is being assessed on an operative basis.
“Environmental raids and monitoring activities by the special commission will continue even after the inversion ends. All measures being taken are aimed at minimizing emerging risks and ensuring environmental safety for the population. Every step is being implemented in strict compliance with scientifically grounded recommendations,” the deputy chair said.
A temperature inversion is a short-term and predictable meteorological phenomenon. During such periods, government agencies operate under an enhanced regime and implement proven mitigation measures to reduce pollution.
