New measures to reduce air pollution in major cities are being discussed in Kazakhstan. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan has proposed considering a restriction on private car use on alternate days, based on odd and even number plates. According to Minister Yerlan Nyssanbayev, this mechanism could follow the example of Chinese cities, although a specific framework has not yet been developed.
FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE OF CHINESE CITIES
As the Minister of Ecology Yerlan Nyssanbayev reported, the department is studying international experience in combating air pollution. At the beginning of the year, a group of specialists from the ministry and environmental experts visited China to learn about the measures implemented in the country's major cities, reports Ulysmedia.kz.
According to the minister, China has achieved noticeable results in improving the environmental situation in populated areas over the last 10–15 years. One such measure has been regulating traffic flow based on odd and even number plates.
"We have proposed, similar to Beijing, adopting rules for regulating traffic flow," Nyssanbayev noted.
He emphasised that this is currently just a proposal that requires further elaboration.
WHY THE FOCUS IS ON TRANSPORT
According to the minister, in Almaty, road transport accounts for a significant portion of air pollution. The city does not have large industrial enterprises that could be a major source of emissions.
The authorities are already taking a number of measures to improve the environmental situation. In particular, the gasification of CHP-2, previously named as one of the major sources of air pollution, is being completed.
HOW MANY CARS ARE IN ALMATY
According to the minister, approximately 748,000 cars are currently registered in Almaty. In addition, around 400,000 cars enter the city from the suburbs every day.
As Nyssanbayev noted, a significant portion of suburban residents work in Almaty and regularly use cars to travel into the city, including for transporting passengers.
WHAT MEASURES ARE BEING CONSIDERED
Restricting car use is being considered as part of a comprehensive set of environmental measures. Among the proposals also being discussed are:
- converting road transport to gas fuel;
- incentivising the purchase of electric vehicles;
- gasification of enterprises.
The minister noted that the specific mechanism for potential restrictions has not yet been determined. According to him, the development of the rules must take into account the specific characteristics of each city.