Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, rose to the forefront of global air pollution concerns, ranking first among major cities worldwide, on February 21. Data from the IQAir portal shows that, at approximately 08:30 local time, Tashkent registered a concentration of small PM2.5 dispersed particles in the air measuring 196 μg/m3, classified as "harmful."
This alarming level of air pollution propelled Tashkent to the top of the list, surpassing other cities grappling with similar environmental challenges. Lahore in Pakistan trailed closely behind in second place, with a PM2.5 concentration of 175 μg/m3, followed by Delhi in India, which recorded a concentration of 165 μg/m3. Other cities rounding out the top ten included Dhaka in Bangladesh, Yangon in Myanmar, Kathmandu in Nepal, Hanoi in Vietnam, Jakarta in Indonesia, Milan in Italy, and Calcutta in India.
The prominence of PM2.5 as a significant air pollution indicator for health underscores the severity of the situation. These fine particulate matters, measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, posing serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Two months prior, on December 22, Tashkent ranked fourth among major cities worldwide in terms of air pollution. In response to these concerning findings, the Sanepid Committee has issued recommendations to the public on how to cope with dusty weather conditions.
Earlier Daryo reported that from April 1 onwards, a system will be implemented to assess the level of pollution in each region, considering factors such as air, water, and environmental quality. The Ministry of Environmental Protection, Ecology, and Climate Change, in collaboration with regional governors and sector leaders, has been assigned the responsibility of formulating comprehensive action plans for each district and city to enhance local environmental conditions.
Furthermore, by the conclusion of the year, authorities are mandated to publish the ecological rating and environmental profile of both regions and industries. Subsequently, governors will communicate with the public based on the outcomes of these ratings.
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