At a briefing, the head of the Atmospheric Air Protection Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision, Tashybek uulu Nursultan, reported that Bishkek has shown positive dynamics in improving air quality over the past few years.
According to him, the monitoring of atmospheric pollution is conducted by Kyrgyzhydromet, which is the specialized authority in this field.
“The data from Kyrgyzhydromet shows the air pollution index, which has demonstrated improvement over the last five years. These indicators are presented in milligrams per cubic meter and are average annual values,” he noted.
In particular, in 2020, the pollution level was 0.033 milligrams per cubic meter, in 2021 it was 0.029, in 2022 it was 0.040, in 2023 it was 0.034, and in 2024 it decreased to 0.023, with an expected average of 0.024 in 2025.
Tashybek uulu Nursultan emphasized that the current year showed a slight increase compared to 2024; however, in previous years, the level reached 0.040, indicating a noticeable improvement in the overall situation.
He also added that smog can be seen from a panoramic view from above, but it should be noted that the capital continues to develop, with an increase in residential areas and a growing population.
In response to questions about the measures being taken, he noted that work is being done comprehensively, including addressing gasification issues.
“Currently, connections are being made, but it is difficult to do this on a large scale. Gazprom and the citizens themselves are facing challenges. We offer preferential loans, but there are few interested parties, and we are conducting explanatory work,” he added.
The specialist urged citizens to show understanding and raise environmental awareness. He noted that since autumn, he has observed people burning waste and leaves.
“Everyone strives to clean their territory, but in doing so, they burn garbage. This indicates a lack of environmental awareness, which needs to be improved. People also throw waste in inappropriate places,” he noted.
According to Nursultan, the difference in the cost of heating with gas and coal, according to Gazprom data, is about 5,000 soms.
“For officials, this difference may not seem significant, but it is important to approach the issue consciously, as the negative consequences are increasing. It is necessary to install filters on boilers that run on coal,” concluded Tashybek uulu Nursultan.
