UB to reset Air Quality Improvement Zone

City authorities has decided to renew the Air Quality Improvement Zone and its procedure.

Ulaanbaatar Mayor S.Amarsaikhan met with relevant authority representatives last Friday to discuss this issue. He reminded that the new zone must be determined in line with the National Program on Air and Environmental Pollution Reduction, Ulaanbaatar Air Pollution Reduction Action Plan, air pollution levels, government policies, and city mayor’s decision.

City officials proposed including Baganuur, Bagakhangai and Nalaikh districts in the zone considering their high air pollution levels and requests from their district heads. Under the Ulaanbaatar City Council’s 2019 Resolution No. 25/ 21 on Changes to Khoroo Structure and Organization, three districts – namely Songinokhairkhan, Khan-Uul and Nalaikh – were divided into khoroos and 17 new khoroos were created. Due to the changes, the city authority needs to include these khoroos in the Air Quality Improvement Zone.

In addition, Ulaanbaatar banned the burning of raw coal in low-pressure stoves last year. The Ministry of Energy and Energy Regulatory Commission increased capacities of electricity supply network and sub power plants in city ger areas, making it viable to supply four kilowatts of electricity to 41,964 families. Taking this into account, Project Leader in charge of city air and environmental matters D.Munkhjargal proposed dividing the zone into four separate zones.

After discussing the matter, city council members shared possible changes to the zone and its procedures.

Next, Acting Head of Ulaanbaatar Urban Planning and Development Department B.Uuganbayar briefed on ger area redevelopment and housing progress, challenges, and future actions.

He said that out of 35,206 hectares of residential area in the capital, apartments and buildings occupy 6,711 hectares and ger areas cover 9,752 hectares. It was reported that ger area redevelopment project is resuming in steps at 1,540 hectares of ger areas.

The redevelopment project involves 162,000 people of 40,000 households, according to B.Uuganbayar. The city council’s resolutions dated from 2013 to 2019 approved housing in 26 locations and 78 partial areas.

In accordance to the partial general ger area redevelopment plan, housing for 79,239 families will be built in ger areas.

“We must speed up the housing progress in ger areas and urgently take action to ensure contracted companies fulfill their responsibilities. Relevant parties should pay special attention to these tasks,” ordered Mayor S.Amarsaikhan.

The Ulaanbaatar City Council decided to review these matters at the next council meeting.