The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of Kyrgyzstan is conducting an analysis of all PM2.5 particle measurement sensors available in Bishkek and a set of sensors of anonymous users and public associations. Press service of the ministry reported.

According to the data on IQAir website, based on which the capital is in first place in terms of air pollution, the method of calculating the average value is used. At the same time, not only information from the Hydrometeorological Service, but also public, anonymous and individual sources are used to collect information.

This method of calculation is considered incorrect: the particles are localized, that is, one part of the city can be cleaner or more polluted than another.

The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision

«In order to derive accurate data, the following methodology is used: several nearest sensors are taken, their data are summed up and an average value is calculated. At the same time, according to the convergence interval, it should not exceed 20 percent. In case of such an error, data from such a source is not taken,» the ministry explained.

Officials admit that air pollution in Bishkek exceeds the norms, but they say that «relevant work to reduce its level continues.»

«Control over the state of air pollution in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic is carried out in Bishkek, Osh, Kara-Balta, Tokmak and Cholpon-Ata at 14 manual air pollution observation points, one automatic station and using 50 Clarity Node sensors -S. The following concentrations are measured: total dust, PM10, PM2.5, PM1, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and dioxide, formaldehyde,» the ministry added.

Atmospheric air pollution level is determined by the values of impurity concentrations in mg/m3. The level of air pollution is assessed by comparing the concentrations of impurities with the maximum permissible concentration of the pollutant in the air.

Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision

The deputy head of the ministry, Almazbek Tumanov, said in Parliament on Thursday that he did not trust the air quality sensors used by NGOs, as they show higher numbers than the sensors of the Hydrometeorological Service.

In December 2022, the Minister of Natural Resources Dinara Kutmanova also questioned the data of environmental activists. She also stated that the information of MoveGreen public association and the Hydrometeorological Service differed sharply.