Kyrgyzstan is implementing a major environmental project worth $50 million aimed at improving the country's air quality. The initiative is being carried out with financial and technical support from the World Bank, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision Asel Raimkulova announced at a meeting of the parliamentary committee on agrarian policy, water resources, subsoil use, ecology and environmental protection, Vesti.kg reports.
According to Raimkulova, procurement of modern equipment for the Kyrgyzhydromet meteorological service has already been completed under the project. This will help improve the accuracy and timeliness of atmospheric pollution measurements.
In addition, a contract has been signed for the acquisition of two mobile laboratories to ensure mobile air quality monitoring. These units will be able to operate rapidly at various locations across the country, recording pollution levels in real time.
A tender is currently underway to prepare design and estimate documentation for the construction of a modern laboratory and information center for air pollution analysis. The procedure for concluding the relevant contract is in progress. The new facility will become a key platform for research, specialist training, and public awareness on environmental conditions.
A separate component of the project will be the installation of a network of automatic air monitoring stations. Technical documentation for the placement of 11 such facilities has already been prepared. They are planned for installation in five cities:
- Bishkek
- Osh
- Kara-Balta
- Tokmok
- Cholpon-Ata
The documents are currently undergoing final approval with the World Bank. Once approved, the procurement and installation process will begin.
Air pollution remains one of the most pressing challenges for Kyrgyzstan, particularly in its major cities. According to WHO data, Bishkek regularly ranks among cities with high levels of atmospheric pollution, which negatively impacts public health. The introduction of a modern monitoring system will not only enable the collection of reliable data but also support the development of effective measures to reduce harmful emissions.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 9, 2026