In Uzbekistan, large-scale actions aimed at improving the environmental situation in Tashkent have been announced. The National Committee for Ecology and Climate Change has confirmed a list of 87 enterprises that are considered environmentally hazardous and energy-intensive. These facilities will be gradually relocated outside the capital. The relocation process will include not only physical transfer but also complete modernization of technologies in accordance with international environmental standards.
The first to be relocated is the "Uztvorcvetmet" plant, located in the Yangihayot district. This enterprise, which uses outdated equipment manufactured in the 1970s, falls under Category I of environmental hazard. By decision of a special commission, its production will be moved to the free economic zone of the Jizzakh region. It is expected that replacing old smelting furnaces with modern installations will reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere by nearly 227 tons per year.
It is important to note that the plant has already faced serious sanctions: in October, it was fined over 18 billion sums for environmental damage. However, part of these funds will be used to upgrade production equipment thanks to the provided benefits. Similar measures also apply to the Tashkent Pipe Plant and the branch of "Vtorchermet".
These actions are a continuation of the policy aimed at reducing industrial load on large cities. It should be noted that since last year, a ban has been imposed on the implementation of new projects related to the production of cement, asbestos, leather processing, as well as metallurgical and chemical industries of Classes I and II of hazard, unless they are equipped with highly efficient filtration systems.
