“This is an environmental crime”: Deputies oppose Murod Nazarov’s proposal

On July 17, during a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry focused on the construction sector, businessman Murod Nazarov stated that it was wrong to impose restrictions on tree felling in Tashkent. Instead, he proposed planting several times more trees to compensate for those that would be cut down. His remarks have sparked widespread public debate, drawing strong criticism from members of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis.

Javlon Abdullayev, a deputy elected from the Ecological Party of Uzbekistan, responded sharply to Nazarov’s proposal. He stressed that the moratorium on tree felling in Tashkent was introduced for a reason. Without it, he argued, the capital could have turned into a desert. Abdullayev stated that the significance of the moratorium is enormous. Despite a few violations, it has helped prevent the felling of more than 98 percent of trees.

"Uzbekistan is already facing the severe consequences of water scarcity and global warming, making it crucial to preserve every mature tree for future generations.

It takes at least ten years of patience and care to grow a tree to maturity. Does the developer not know that each mature tree releases oxygen, purifies the air, reduces noise, regulates temperature, and prevents soil erosion?” the deputy asked.

Data from the first six months of 2025 show that 3,235 applications for tree felling were rejected, saving 453,238 trees, including 86,309 of valuable species.

“Claiming to ‘replant’ trees while allowing mature trees to be cut down does not protect nature—it worsens ecological conditions,” he said.

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He further argued that such proposals contradict both ecological balance and the principles of environmental protection enshrined in Uzbek law.

“If anyone sees a tree as an obstacle and justifies cutting it down with so-called ‘alternative planting,’ this is nothing short of an environmental crime,” Abdullayev stated.

He pointed out that in many developed countries, illegal tree felling results in strict financial penalties. In some cases, land is reclaimed from developers, and efforts are made to revive even damaged trees rather than remove them. Such practices, he said, have proven effective in preserving ecosystems.

“It’s time for Uzbekistan to adopt similar bold measures. We, the deputies of the Ecological Party, categorically oppose such reckless proposals. Any development or reconstruction must be carried out in harmony with the environment—not at its expense.

A legislative initiative to formally designate trees and shrubs covered by the moratorium as untouchable during renovation projects,” Abdullayev stressed.

Bobur Bekmurodov, chairman of the nationwide movement “Yuksalish” and a deputy of the Legislative Chamber, echoed these concerns.

“Developers are calling for tree cutting to be legalized. Environmentalists, on the other hand, argue that construction should move outside the city. The public will decide who is right. Today, people support more green areas—not more buildings in the city center.

It takes 7 to 10 years for a single plane tree to provide proper shade. Did the developer who made this proposal plant a tree or build a garden all those years ago?,” Bekmurodov said.