Bishkek, July 1, 2026 /Kabar/. Minister of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan, Akyl Toktobaev, spoke about the measures the government is taking to reduce air pollution in Bishkek and Osh, in Kabar podcast.
According to the minister, the smog problem is one of the most pressing as the heating season approaches.
He announced that, with donor support, 11 air quality monitoring stations will be installed in Bishkek. The ministry also plans to acquire two mobile environmental laboratories capable of analyzing air, water, and soil quality. One will operate in the northern regions of the country, the other in the south.
The minister identified the development of gasification and the transition of private homeowners to more environmentally friendly heating systems as key areas for combating smog. Therefore, State banks provide interest rates on preferential loans by 3% for gas boilers and 6% for heat pumps. The preferential financing is available through Eldik Bank, Aiyl Bank, and Bakai Bank. He urged citizens not to delay winter preparations and to switch to environmentally friendly heating systems now.
The minister also noted that combating smog requires a comprehensive approach. Along with modernizing heating systems, efforts are ongoing to reduce vehicle emissions. Environmental and Technical Supervision Service employees, together with State Road Safety Inspectorate inspectors, inspect vehicles using gas analyzers, and fines are imposed for exceeding permissible emission standards.