Deputy Azizbek Tursunbaev noted that current initiatives are not yielding the expected results. Although improvements in public transport and gasification can be considered a step in the right direction, the smog problem persists, indicating the need to address the root causes.
He also raised the question of whether the sources of pollution have been clearly identified and what hinders the improvement of the situation.
Minister of Natural Resources Meder Mashiev confirmed that the smog issue remains relevant, although there are signs of its gradual reduction. Nevertheless, a complete resolution of the issue has not yet been achieved.
The minister specified that the sources of smog are not numerous: they include coal burning, vehicle emissions, and dust. Efforts from the relevant agencies are currently focused on these factors.
During the discussion, the deputy also pointed out the chaotic construction in the city and its consequences for the ecology.
The minister agreed that construction carried out in previous years disrupted the "wind rose," negatively affecting the natural ventilation of the city. In developing a new master plan, the city hall and government agencies are trying to take past mistakes into account; however, already constructed buildings continue to have a negative impact.
The deputy also reminded that in the past, wind from the mountains regularly blew in Bishkek, which helped to clean the air. Currently, he stated, new constructions block air flows, causing smog to accumulate over the city.
The minister added that Bishkek has been experiencing temperature inversion for about ten years, which acts like a "lid," intensifying smog during the winter period.
