According to Mashiev, efforts to improve air quality are being carried out within the framework of an interdepartmental commission, which includes representatives from 25 ministries and agencies, as well as parliament members. This significantly enhances interaction between various sectors and increases the effectiveness of environmental policy.
The minister noted that over the past two years, there has been a positive trend in reducing air pollution levels in Bishkek and the Chui region.
One of the significant successes has been improving access to gasification for citizens. In accordance with a government decree, preferential loans for gasifying homes have been introduced, amounting to up to 150,000 soms at an interest rate of 3% per annum, which is significantly lower than the previous rate of 8%. This has allowed more than 51,000 households in the capital to switch to gas, which in turn has reduced coal consumption by 100,000 tons.
To protect public health, a ban has been imposed on the import, sale, storage, and use of bulk coal with a diameter of 0-13 millimeters in Bishkek and the Chui region, except for thermal power enterprises.
In addition, the Ministry of Natural Resources has intensified control over compliance with environmental standards—raids are being conducted across the country to check emissions from vehicles and enterprises.
