Installation of dust and gas cleaning equipment due in 2024 at I and II category industrial enterprises high impact on the environment will be delayed, the Prosecutor General's Office reported amid increasing reports of poor air quality.

In particular, according to the Prosecutor General's Office, out of 27 enterprises in the Tashkent province, equipment has been installed only at 19, and out of 31 enterprises in Tashkent city, only at 8.

Reportedly, based on the current situation, probes have begun in Tashkent and the Tashkent province on October 22 under the direct supervision of the Prosecutor General's Office with the involvement of specialists from the Ministries of Ecology, Health, Transport, Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Uzgidromet and the Authority for Oversight in the Sphere of Construction.

Violations identified by the prosecutor's office will be taken under special control, and tough and decisive measures will be taken.

Meanwhile, the Prosecutor General's Office noted that air pollution in Tashkent city was affected not only by natural factors such as dry climate and sandy soils, but also by climate change, increased emissions from industry and motor vehicles, illegal downing of trees despite the standstill, as well as active construction without approval of general development plans. Taking these factors into account, prosecutorial authorities have launched scheduled inspections throughout the country since September. The main focus is on the implementation of the Protection of Atmospheric Air law and other regulatory documents aimed at reducing the volume of harmful emissions into the atmosphere and improving the air quality.