National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The inspection revealed that, although positive conclusions had been obtained from the State Environmental Assessment for each phase of the project, many of the requirements set out in those conclusions had not been met.

In particular, no designated wheel-washing stations had been installed at the entrances and exits of the construction site for heavy vehicles. As a result, mud and soil had spread along "Jarkurgan" Street for a distance of up to 2–2.5 kilometres. Once dry, the material is crushed by passing vehicles, generating significant amounts of airborne dust. Furthermore, no measures to protect ambient air quality had been developed.

In addition, the company was unable to provide any documentation confirming the disposal destinations of 126,188.9 tonnes of demolition waste generated during the dismantling of old buildings and 368,432 tonnes of soil excavated during foundation works. According to measurements conducted by specialists, 12,036 tonnes of municipal solid waste and construction debris had been stockpiled in an unauthorised area on the site. The company had also failed to conclude contracts for waste removal and wastewater transportation.

Furthermore, 51 trees were illegally felled without the required authorisation. The company had submitted an application for permission to remove 50 coniferous trees (junipers) and one plane tree. However, the Tashkent City Department of Ecology did not issue the relevant permit. Despite this, the inspection established that all the trees in question had been cut down.

The company had also failed to comply with the requirements of the environmental assessment. In particular, it had not fulfilled its obligations to ensure that at least 25% of the site was landscaped under the Yashil Makon (Green Space) programme, develop a carbon neutrality plan, or meet other stipulated environmental requirements.

The above-mentioned violations are contrary to the requirements of the Republic of Uzbekistan's laws on Nature Protection, Protection of Atmospheric Air and Waste.

For environmental pollution and the unauthorised disposal of waste, the company has been assessed compensation payments amounting to 5,183,364,476 sums. An additional compensation payment of 396 million sums has been assessed for damage to flora resulting from the destruction of trees.

The company has also been instructed to plant 100 saplings for every tree illegally felled, bringing the total to 5,100 saplings. The saplings must be at least three years old, and the company is required to ensure their maintenance and care for a period of three years.

The company's director has been held administratively liable under Part 1 of Article 85¹ of the Code of Administrative Responsibility of the Republic of Uzbekistan and fined 4.4 million sums.

The company has also been issued mandatory instructions to take immediate measures to prevent dust emissions and protect ambient air quality, measure the volume of waste generated, remove it and transfer it for recycling, undergo an environmental assessment of the project's Statement on Environmental Impacts and comply with all other applicable requirements.

Dear citizens! If you witness dust emissions at construction sites, mud spreading onto public roads, improper stockpiling of waste or illegal tree felling, please report such incidents to the National Committee on Ecology by calling the short number 11-57 or via the Telegram bot @ecogovuz_bot. Please attach photographic or video evidence to your report.