“Employees left the room”: More than 20 enterprises temporarily suspended in Navoi (video)

More than 20 enterprises responsible for polluting the air have been temporarily suspended in the Navoi region. This was reported by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change.

A working group comprising representatives from the ministry and the Prosecutor General’s Office is conducting an inspection in the city of Navoi, based on the instructions of the Minister of Ecology. The objective is to identify sources of atmospheric pollution, analyze their causes, and take effective measures to eliminate them.

The study is being carried out in two main directions: first, to identify the source of the white fog (or smoke) observed in the city; and second, to improve the overall environmental conditions affected by industrial emissions. All measures are under strict supervision, and if violations are found, strict actions will be taken against those responsible.

On July 19, laboratory tests and other data on atmospheric air pollution caused by white smoke were collected in Navoi. Mobile laboratory analysis at 11 different points across the city revealed that sulfur dioxide (SO₂) was 1.86 times above the acceptable norm, and ammonia (NH₃) was 1.43 times above the norm.

That same day, at 05:30, a video was recorded of a concentrated emission near the plants of “Sogda Kimyo Zavod” LLC, “Ferrosplav” LLC, and “Zarafshon Industrial Technology” LLC, located near the former “Elektrokimyo” plant. This video was documented as evidence.

Inspections at these enterprises revealed the following:

1. “Sogda Kimyo Zavod” LLC was operating without obtaining state ecological expertise. It had created an unauthorized landfill on its premises, deposited construction waste beyond its designated area, stored harmful substances in an open reservoir, discharged acidic water into open terrain, and released uncontrolled emissions into the atmosphere. Environmental damages were calculated at 7.382 billion soums.

2. “Ferrosplav” LLC was also operating without state ecological expertise. It emitted pollutants generated during the processing of raw materials and stored industrial waste without control.

3. “Zarafshon Industrial Technology” LLC was found to have violated requirements outlined in the ecological expertise report. Hydrogen sulfide levels were found to be 25 times above the permissible limit, nitrogen oxides 12 times above, ammonia 7 times above, and sulfur dioxide 2.6 times above. Requirements for the storage of hazardous materials in the sulfur storage area were also unmet.

Because these enterprises polluted the environment far beyond established standards and flagrantly violated environmental legislation, the Ministry of Ecology decided to suspend their activities. They were given 10 days to implement corrective environmental measures. If they fail to comply, lawsuits will be filed to permanently halt their operations.

As part of the second direction of the study, three working groups were formed in Navoi to assess and improve the overall environmental condition. These groups are currently inspecting 168 enterprises located in the city and surrounding areas.

So far, 42 enterprises have been reviewed, and documentation has been prepared to fine officials who failed to comply with environmental laws.

Additionally, 22 enterprises — including “Building Products” (brick factory), “Navoi Global Trans Service” (granite), “Ittifoq” (brick factory), “Qizilqum Iron Concrete” (slabs), “Qizilqum Slate” (slate), “Stroykom-77” (paint pigment), “Karmana Quartz” (lime factory), “Navoi Util Med” (medical waste incineration), “Navoi Asir Invest” (chemical storage), “BARNO” (construction waste landfill), “Navoi Sheben Khom-Ashyo” (lime and stone crushing), “Navoi Asir Invest Savdo” (acetic acid storage), “Montaj Servis Malikrabot” (metalworking), “Karmanasut” (milk processing), “Alibobo-2020” (metal smelting), “Foskhim Agro” (phosphorus fertilizer production), “Jahon Business Baraka Servis” (lime workshop), “Rubin-Karmana” (asphalt plant), and others — were temporarily shut down due to operating without environmental assessments, gross violations related to atmospheric, land, and water protection, and the creation of unauthorized landfills. These companies were also given a 10-day window for remediation. Court cases have been filed against 19 enterprises that failed to correct their violations.

The inspection of “Navoi Nitrogen Enterprise” revealed that construction waste was stored in unapproved locations, and open burning of dry waste led to air pollution.

Furthermore, on July 29, an analysis of the enterprise's urea workshop found that ammonia levels were 1.08 times above the allowed limit. On the night of July 30, a study around the Navoiazot JSC site revealed ammonia levels 1.5 times above the norm in the east, hydrogen sulfide 36 times higher, and ammonia levels 6.6 times above the norm in the west.

As a result, the enterprise was fined and ordered to correct these violations within 10 days.

On July 24, during a nighttime inspection, 24 individuals were caught operating illegal lime production facilities without proper authorization. These operations emitted significant black smoke and dust, violating environmental regulations. All 24 individuals were fined a total of 18 million soums, and their equipment was dismantled.

“Studies are being carried out day and night throughout Navoi to take disciplinary measures against enterprises operating without environmental permits and failing to comply with ecological laws. The goal is to bring all operations into compliance with legal environmental standards. Based on these studies, an environmental action plan for each enterprise will be developed and submitted to the Council of People’s Deputies of the Navoi region for approval.

The situation remains under close supervision. The Ministry of Ecology will continue to take firm action against enterprises that violate environmental protection legislation,” the statement said.

It should be noted that on the morning of July 19, dusty smoke engulfed the city of Navoi. On July 21, similar conditions were observed again in the city and surrounding areas.

Later, journalist Rukhsora Bobokulova, speaking live on the Navoi TV channel, claimed that poisonous gases were spreading throughout Navoi and urged ecology officials to “step out of their cool rooms and find out where it is coming from.” Following her statement, reports circulated that she was facing pressure, and that live broadcasts on Navoi regional television and radio had been suspended. However, the regional administration denied these claims, stating that Bobokulova had not been subjected to any pressure and was continuing her journalistic work.