Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- From 1 April, an environmental rating will be introduced for each region, assessing the level of air, water and environmental pollution. This became known after a video conference meeting led by the President.

It was noted that since 2020, 22 thousand new industrial enterprises have been launched in the regions, and during this period almost 250 thousand new houses have been built. Currently, more than 2 million tons of pollutants are emitted into the atmosphere each year from industrial plants and cars.

Particularly high levels of air pollution were noted in the capital and Almalyk, Nurafshan, Akhangaran, Angren, Bekabad and Kuvasay compared to other regions. It was also noted that some enterprises in the regions have dust and gas cleaning equipment that has been in operation for more than 10 years.

At the meeting, it was emphasized that despite the benefits and concessions provided to industrial enterprises, some of them do not comply with their obligations to pay taxes and protect the environment.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection, Ecology and Climate Change, together with khokims and industry leaders, has been tasked with:

- Develop a master plan for each district and city to improve the local environmental situation.

- At the end of the year, conduct an assessment of the environmental condition of regions and industries, as well as submit environmental ratings and passports.

Khokims must report to the population on the results of this assessment.