Among the most pressing environmental issues in Bishkek remains air pollution. In response, the city hall is implementing a series of comprehensive measures aimed at improving the ecological situation and reducing the level of harmful substances in the atmosphere. This was reported by the chief ecologist of the capital's municipality, Nursultan Tashybek uluu.
Prioritizing Gasification in the Ecological Strategy
The ecologist noted that, according to data from international organizations, the main sources of air pollution in the capital are: the use of coal, exhaust gases from old cars, emissions from the Bishkek CHPP, and industrial enterprises.A key aspect, he said, is the gasification of settlements and the transition to environmentally friendly heating systems.
Out of 105 residential areas, gasification has been completed in 54. As a result, 69,520 homes are connected to gas, of which 52,316 already use this fuel, with 75 percent of them being heated by gas boilers.
The interest rate on preferential loans for gasification has been reduced from 8 to 3 percent, and work is underway to inform residents about gasification. For the remaining settlements, a roadmap is being developed in collaboration with Gazprom Kyrgyzstan LLC until 2030.
Additionally, the city hall and the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic have approved a ban on the import, sale, and use of bulk coal in Bishkek.
Reducing the Number of Old Cars in the Capital
According to the State Center for Vehicle Registration, the total number of registered cars in Bishkek is 468,661.However, according to the city ecologist, the number of cars older than 15 years has been gradually decreasing since 2021. In 2021, this figure was 353,467 cars, and by 2025, it is expected to decrease to 321,495.
Updating Public Transport
Currently, the public transport fleet includes 1,567 fully environmentally friendly buses, of which 1,447 run on gas.In 2025, 120 electric buses were purchased, and more than 3,000 diesel minibuses were removed from the central streets.
82 plots of land have been leased for electric vehicle charging stations, and bicycle infrastructure has been developed, with 47.1 kilometers of bike paths constructed.
Massive Greening: Results Exceeded Expectations
According to the ecologist, it was planned to plant 12,460 seedlings in 2025, but the actual number reached 18,755.- 10,704 of them are deciduous;
- 5,039 are coniferous;
- 3,012 are shrubs.
3,092 seedlings were planted in schools in Bishkek.
To restore outdated irrigation systems, more than 5,000 square meters of irrigation channels and over 25,000 square meters of water pipes were laid.
The dynamics of tree planting from 2021 to 2025 are as follows:
- 2021 — 9,999;
- 2022 — 13,000;
- 2023 — 14,500;
- 2024 — 12,485;
- 2025 — 18,755.
Cleaning Rivers and Eliminating Dumps
- The mechanical cleaning of the riverbeds of the Alamedin and Ala-Archa rivers was actively carried out, resulting in the cleaning of 20 kilometers and the removal of over 107,000 tons of garbage.
- Old dumps have been completely cleared. Over 3,000 trees have been planted on 5 hectares, creating a green zone.
- The first eco-technological power plant in Central Asia has started operating, converting waste into electricity. It processes 3,000 tons of waste per day and generates 124,000 kilowatt-hours.
By 2025, electricity supply will be ensured for five educational institutions. Scrubbers and electrostatic filters will be installed at the CHPP every year.
Modernization of the CHPP and Implementation of Cleaning Technologies
At the "Bishkek CHPP," gas traps and electrostatic filters have been installed to reduce emissions. A system for removing sulfur dioxide from flue gases has been implemented at energy block No. 3, and the reconstruction of the "Bishkekselmash" furnace has become an important step in modernizing the heating system and increasing its energy efficiency.Currently, the first phase of the station provides heat and hot water to 13,000 consumers.
Nursultan Tashybek uluu emphasizes that the Bishkek city hall adheres to a systematic approach: from gasification and transport renewal to the implementation of modern cleaning technologies and massive greening. All these measures demonstrate a gradual improvement in air quality in the capital.
Work continues, and further steps are outlined in plans until 2030.
