According to a World Bank report, $111 million is needed to improve air quality in Dushanbe, Asiaplus.tj reports.
The capital of Tajikistan ranked fourth among the world's most polluted cities in 2023, according to data from the Swiss company IQAir.
The concentration of hazardous PM2.5 particles in Dushanbe reaches 46 µg/m³—nine times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limits. These fine particles are linked to severe health problems: 51% of pollution-related deaths are caused by ischemic heart disease, and 27% by strokes. Each year, approximately 4,800 people in Tajikistan die due to air pollution.
The main sources of pollution are dust storms (33%), residential heating (31%), emissions from thermal power plants (9%), and transportation (ranging from 3% to 13%, depending on the estimate).
The World Bank proposes a comprehensive set of measures totaling $111 million. The plan aims to reduce PM2.5 levels by 13%, lower annual deaths by 70–100 cases, modernize heating systems, and install new air quality monitoring stations.
Currently, Tajikistan operates only seven air quality monitoring stations—insufficient for an accurate assessment of the situation. International organizations are assisting the country in developing its environmental monitoring infrastructure and strengthening its legal framework.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
August 1, 2025