Bishkek mayor blames coal burning for air pollution in Bishkek

AKIPRESS.COM - Coal burning is the main reason of air pollution in Bishkek, acting mayor Balbak Tulobaev told a press conference today.
"If we stop using coal, reduce emissions, the situation will improve. Bishkek almost does not have air pollution in summer, since cars emit not that much pollutants, neither the combined heat and power plant does. But in winter coal burning and cars contribute to air pollution," Tulobaev said.
He said schools, residential districts and boiler houses should be switched to gas for heating.
"Probably, we will stop bringing Kara-Keche coal next year. I just say this is probable, since they say this coal has a high ash content," the acting mayor said.
Other contributors include grown number of population, vehicles and climate change, Tulobaev added.
"I can't say the combined heat and power plant causes air pollution, this should be checked. But I can definitely say coal burning is one of the main reasons," he concluded.