The city that wants to breathe

When air becomes a number

At the time of writing, Tashkent’s air quality index stands at 64. This means that the concentration of harmful PM2.5 particles is three times higher than the limit set by the World Health Organization. Similar readings have been recorded in other cities across the country — Samarkand, Gazalkent, and Salar — where, in the first half of the day, the index reached as high as 150. Such precise data has become available thanks to the installation of IQAir meteorological stations in Uzbekistan, equipped with an automated air monitoring system.

The situation can now be tracked in real time. For example, with the current level of pollution in Tashkent, residents are advised to open windows less frequently, use air purifiers at home, and, for those with heightened sensitivity, wear protective masks outdoors and limit physical activity in open air.

The capital often appears in global anti-rankings: in September this year, Tashkent ranked first among cities with the most polluted air.

According to the Ministry of Ecology, the main reasons behind the city’s poor air quality are mass tree cutting — despite the moratorium introduced back in 2019 — and chaotic construction that ignores the city’s master plan. Vehicle emissions and the continued use of coal and fuel oil in the energy sector also make a significant contribution.

Air across the regions: Uzbekistan’s contrasts

According to recent data, the lowest air quality levels are recorded in Termez, Tashkent, and Jizzakh. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Urgench, where the air is considered the cleanest. The city and its surroundings lie far from major industrial centers, which is reflected in the numbers: PM2.5 concentration here is just 11.6 µg/m³. A similar situation can be observed in Nukus and Urgench, where the air quality indices are 37 and 39 respectively — significantly lower than in the capital.

However, even this seeming idyll is sometimes disrupted by a natural phenomenon — dust haze. Winds lift dust and salt particles from the dried bed of the Aral Sea, sharply increasing the concentration of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere to hazardous levels.

Activists and international organizations are working to prevent such occurrences. The issue of the Aral Sea is regularly raised at conferences, including UN roundtables. The topic also resonates in the cultural sphere — for instance, at the Natural Element festival, which brings together environmental and sustainability experts from around the world.

A united front: people, business, and the state

Clean air is the result of collective effort — individual, social, and governmental. Change can start small: by using private cars and taxis less often, and instead choosing public transport or walking.

At the national level, the “Green Space” program is making a difference. Anyone can take part in greening their surroundings: the Forestry Agency delivers up to 200 saplings free of charge to more than 9,300 mahallas across the country. Planting takes place in autumn — before frost — so trees can take root and benefit from the rainy season. But you can also plant independently — in your yard, near your home — without waiting for official campaigns.

The government is taking more and more steps to protect the environment. The Ecological Party succeeded in enforcing a moratorium on tree cutting — a measure that, according to their data, saved nearly 500,000 trees, about 90,000 of which are valuable species. Deputy Javlon Abdullaev emphasizes that trees not only clean the air from dust but also reduce noise, regulate temperature, and protect soil from erosion.

Technological solutions are also emerging. Following a World Bank report on the economic losses caused by environmental problems, the Eco Expo Central Asia showcased the Stop Dust startup — a formula that suppresses dust and salt particles in the air. Illegal burnings are now tracked from space, and coal-fired power plants are gradually being converted to gas.

Still, the most effective measure remains the same — planting and preserving trees. Yet planting alone is not enough. Without proper care, trees die. For instance, during pruning, city services often remove up to 30% of branches, making trees vulnerable to disease and pests.

Trees play a crucial role: they trap dust on their leaves and bark, and absorb chemical compounds such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.

However, ecology cannot be reduced to one or two actions. For Uzbekistan to truly breathe freely, it is essential to preserve biodiversity, restore natural balance, prevent soil degradation, and use resources wisely.

When Words Turn into Action

In January of last year, a flash mob was held in Tashkent calling on the government to develop a long-term plan to improve air quality. The event brought together musicians, bloggers, and eco-activist Mutabar Khushvaktova, better known as Urikguli. On her blog, she regularly raises environmental issues — including the problem of air pollution.

The flash mob was sparked by a report from the Ministry of Ecology outlining the reasons behind the worsening air conditions. Participants opposed the short-term measures proposed by authorities — such as banning certain types of fuel, introducing “hour-based” vehicle restrictions, creating “bus-free” roads, and temporarily suspending construction.

Mutabar emphasizes that what matters most is not temporary bans, but systematic control — especially over enterprises that neglect regulations and fail to install air filters, as well as over chaotic urban development. Because of such construction, the city has lost entire parks, ponds, and other natural spaces. Added to this is the massive amount of dust raised at construction sites, further aggravating the situation.

“Lesnoy”: Where the air feels lighter

It’s not only activists and deputies who are thinking about clean air — businesses are, too. In Tashkent, there’s an eco café-bar called “Lesnoy” (“The Forest”), home to more than 2,000 living plants. A portion of its revenue goes to a tree-planting fund. The founder, Ruslan Chagay, shared the story and mission behind the project.

— How did the idea for “Lesnoy” come about?

R.Ch.: There’s a catastrophic lack of fresh air and greenery in the city. I wanted to create a place where people could exhale and feel surrounded by a “living” environment. That’s how “Lesnoy” was born — not just a café, but a true oasis in the heart of Tashkent.

— Why was it important for you to fill the space with so many plants?

R.Ch.: Plants are living beings — they create an atmosphere deeper than any décor. They bring freshness and a sense of life. To maintain more than 2,500 plants, you need a whole team: at least four or five florists take care of them daily — watering, replanting, protecting from disease, adjusting the light. It’s hard work, but it’s also a form of care for the living world that our guests have come to love.

— How does your project help improve air quality?

R.Ch.: For me, clean air is something Uzbekistan is especially lacking today. We decided that our contribution shouldn’t stop at interior design. That’s how our campaign “Plant a Tree — Give Life!” was born. On our menu, certain items are marked with an acorn symbol — when a guest orders one, they help plant a tree. We’ve already planted 100 saplings in the New Uzbekistan Park, and this is just the beginning. The campaign runs twice a year. It’s our way of ensuring that the next generation has more oxygen — and more life — around them.

We also want to inspire others: cafés, businesses, city residents. When people see that the idea works, they realize making the city greener is easier than it seems.

— What kind of feedback do you get most often? Do guests notice the difference in atmosphere compared to other places?

R.Ch.: The phrase we hear most often is, “It’s easier to breathe here!” The plants are chosen specifically for their oxygen-producing properties, and the effect is truly noticeable. You don’t need to leave the city to feel like you’re in a forest.

— Do you see your café not only as a gastronomic space but also as an educational one — a place that makes people think about the importance of greenery and clean air?

R.Ch.: Yes, absolutely. We want people to reflect on nature and its value. Awareness starts with simple actions — planting a tree or keeping a plant at home.
Next, we plan to expand our ecological mission: to grow the tree-planting program, attract new partners, and give our guests the chance to take part in the plantings themselves.

A mural instead of a forest

In Tashkent’s Sergeli district, an eco-mural has appeared — one that not only brightens up the neighborhood but also cleans the air. Its creator, artist Nadezhda Riksiyeva, worked on the project in collaboration with TBC Bank.

— What inspired you to take on this project?

N.R.: I was offered to paint a building faсade using air-purifying paint. I immediately agreed — the idea felt both meaningful and modern. In recent years, I’ve noticed just how much dust there is around us. Cars and streets get covered in a thick layer of it in just two days. It’s frightening to think about what we’re actually breathing.

— How does the eco-mural work?

N.R.: The paint I used is called Airlite. When exposed to sunlight, it neutralizes harmful substances, turning nitrogen oxides into harmless compounds. It’s similar to how photosynthesis works in plants — or how the air feels cleaner after a thunderstorm.

— In your opinion, what can each of us do for cleaner air?

N.R.: The most important thing is awareness. We all work in different fields and live different lives, so we often don’t have time to think about common problems. That’s why it’s crucial to make ecology part of everyday life — starting small: saving resources, consuming consciously, and building sustainable habits. That’s the answer to the question of what each person can do — start with yourself.

The idea of creating the eco-mural in Sergeli was initiated by TBC Bank. The goal of the project was not only to draw attention to the problem of air pollution but also to offer a real solution. Nodira Sultonkhodjaeva, Marketing Director at TBC Uzbekistan, shared the project’s concept.

— What inspired the idea of creating a mural that cleans the air?

N.S.: We were looking for a way to draw people’s attention to the issue of pollution. A mural makes the problem both visible and emotional, and using Airlite paint — which literally purifies the air — turned out to be the perfect tool.

This paint has been tested in several countries and has shown a significant reduction in nitrogen oxide levels. The sources of these pollutants are well known — vehicle emissions, combustion at power plants, and metallurgical waste. Back in 2007, Airlite was applied in the Umberto I tunnel in Rome, one of the city’s most polluted areas. After just a month, the level of harmful substances dropped by 50%, and the tunnel became safe for pedestrians again. In January 2024, Rome’s municipal authorities officially included this technology in their public works program.

— Why did you choose the Sergeli district?

N.S.: Sergeli is one of the fastest-growing areas of Tashkent, with a high population density, so the effect is especially noticeable here. The mural covers 250 square meters — equivalent to the surface area of a forest of the same size in terms of air purification. At the same time, the coating requires almost no maintenance — rain naturally keeps the surface clean.

— Why combine ecology and art?

N.S.: Aesthetics is an “attention accelerator.” People stop, take photos, talk about it — and at that very moment, they learn about a technology that truly works. That’s how “ecology” stops being an abstract word and becomes part of everyday urban life.
We noticed that the mural especially resonates with young people — the visual language is familiar and relatable to them.

— Why did you choose Nadezhda Rixieva?

N.S.: Nadezhda is a well-known Tashkent artist with extensive experience working on large facades. Her sketch perfectly captured the idea of “free breathing” and immediately became the foundation of the project. We worked as one team: she was responsible for the artistic concept, while we handled the materials and organization.

— How does this project fit into your CSR strategy?

N.S.: We choose initiatives with real impact. Our main areas are financial literacy, culture and art, technology, and sustainable development. We evaluate environmental projects by three criteria: benefit to citizens, scalability, and educational potential. The mural meets all three.
We’re now considering expanding the project — creating new eco-murals in different parts of the city. Negotiations with local authorities and developers are already underway.

— How do you plan to measure the impact?

N.S.: Of course, our ultimate goal is to make urban life more environmentally friendly and everyday consumption more conscious. In terms of concrete results, we’re tracking public awareness of our environmental initiatives in Uzbekistan — because the more people know about eco-projects, the faster we can move toward our goal.

One Follower — One Tree

You don’t need to own a business to make a city greener — all you need is the desire. Blogger Abdurakhim Abdulazizov (@ekdim.k) launched the campaign “One Follower — One Tree”: for every new follower, he plants a tree.

“Breathing the air we have today is becoming really difficult. I realized that too many trees are being cut down, and that’s part of the problem. That’s when I decided that even a simple follow could make a difference. For every new follower, I plant a tree,” Abdurakhim explains. “At first, it seemed like a small initiative, but gradually people started to take interest, get inspired, and join the plantings themselves. So far, I’ve been doing this alone, but in the future, I want to involve people from different regions and turn the campaign into a large-scale movement. For me, it’s important not only to save nature but also to cultivate ecological awareness.”

Today, Abdurakhim’s blog has 38,000 followers, and this number continues to grow — along with the number of trees.

The stories of the people in this article show that there are many ways to fight for clean air. Some create eco-projects, others plant trees, and some inspire thousands with their initiatives. But they all share one idea: ecological change begins with a simple step. Anyone can take it — and that’s how the future, where we’ll have air to breathe, is built.