Tandoors used for baking samsa were demolished during air pollution raids In Shakhrikhan district of Andijan province. The district mayor’s office posted photo and video footages of demolishings but later deleted them.
Reportedly, 24-hour environmental control raids were being conducted at the directives of Andijan Province Governor Shukhrat Abdurakhmanov and that working group had been inspecting venues who were allegedly emitting great deal of smoke, with strict measures, including temporary closures, being taken against restaurants that failed to meet environmental standards.
Video footages show excavators destroying tandoors in at least three venues: Uch Arik Oshkhonasi, Mehmon Oshkhonasi, and Bek Oshkhonasi.
In the evening, the Andijan province governor’s office announced that Shakhrikhan district mayor, Hikmatillo Dadakhonov had been reprimanded for leniency.
The Shakhrikhan district mayor office added that the raids were investigating compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards in the canteens located in the market, as well as the proper use of gas cylinders. Following the checks some venues were sealed with their cylinders confiscated.
High-regimen raids to identify sources of air pollution began in Tashkent and other provinces of Uzbekistan more than a week ago. Working groups, including officials of environmental agencies and law enforcement agencies, are identifying greenhouses without purification systems, instances of tire burning, and violations in the catering industry. Specifically, in the capital, restaurants and cafes where food (kebabs and other dishes) are being prepared without smoke vents are being held accountable.
