The Department of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Tashkent region, in collaboration with the regional prosecutor's office, conducted a study in the Zangiata, Kibray, and Tashkent districts to detect emissions of pollutants and identify cases of illegal use of fuel and energy resources.
During the research, ecological monitoring was carried out on the activities of operational greenhouses, and preventive measures were implemented to prevent the use of waste tires, plastic, bird droppings, and other harmful smoke-producing materials for heating greenhouses, as well as the installation of filters in the chimneys of the greenhouses.
In the area with elevated air pollution levels, 357 greenhouses were surveyed: 145 in the Zangiata district, 134 in Kibray, and 78 in Tashkent. As a result, it was found that 258 greenhouses are operational, while 99 are seasonal and not in operation due to the lack of a boiler house.
Specifically, cucumbers and tomatoes are grown in 167 greenhouses, 71 grow flowers, 12 grow greens, 2 grow lemons, and 6 grow other seedlings. Out of these, 195 greenhouses use coal for heating, 53 use hot water, and 9 use natural gas. However, only 69 greenhouses have an ecological expertise certificate, and filters are installed in 32 of them.
Administrative fines were imposed on 27 greenhouse owners who violated the rules for operating ventilation ducts, and lawsuits were filed against 33 farms to suspend their activities.
Additionally, 166 owners of greenhouse farms were warned about being held accountable according to legislation if they do not install dust and gas purification equipment.
In mid-January, the Ministry of Ecology announced the suspension of activities for 46 seasonal greenhouses. Also, 37 greenhouse owners were fined, and more than 400 were warned about the installation of filters.
Greenhouses Without Gas
In the fall of 2022, greenhouse owners reported widespread complaints about the interruption of gas supply. The Ministry of Energy stated that the switch to "alternative fuel" is a mandatory condition outlined in gas supply agreements.
The then-head of the Presidential Administration, Sardor Umurzakov, subsequently ordered the urgent restoration of gas supply to greenhouses to preserve their products. He also tasked providing funds for energy payments to needy farms.
Throughout 2023, measures were repeatedly announced to transition greenhouses from gas to coal. To stimulate this process, subsidies, preferential loans, and compensation for the purchase of coal boilers were reported.
On December 12, 2024, "Hududgazta'minot" announced the introduction of temporary restrictions on gas supply to greenhouses. These measures were implemented against the backdrop of a sharp drop in temperature and were planned to be lifted upon the restoration of gas pressure.
Previously, Spot reported that gas supply was restricted to some wholesale consumers in Uzbekistan.