27.2 tons of raw coal seized

On April 13, the Ulaanbaatar Specialized Inspection Agency reported on inspections conducted to reduce air pollution.

Head of the Air Quality Control Division of the agency N.Narangerel said, “In spring and autumn, the difference between external and internal temperatures decreases. This increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. There have been several incidents of people smuggling coal briquettes into Ulaanbaatar in violation of air quality improvement regulations. Therefore, we are intensifying inspections at the entrances and exits of the city. During this period, 1,899 sacks of briquettes were transported into the capital from provinces. Attempts to smuggle raw coal into Ulaanbaatar were stopped and 27.2 tons of raw coal were confiscated. Subsequently, the necessary actions were taken in accordance with the Law on Infringement.”

Deputy Head of the Ulaanbaatar Specialized Inspection Agency S.Davaasuren said, “Citizens need to pay attention to renewing their stoves. In cooperation with the Air and Environmental Pollution Control Agency, we have tested traditional stoves and standard stoves for briquette burning. We found that traditional stoves are not strong enough. Tavan Tolgoi Tulsh LLC conducted a survey in April 2022. When asked what type of stoves households use, about 90,000 households said they use traditional stoves and about 60,000 said they received stoves through a project. However, traditional stoves fail to fully burn briquettes. Therefore, in connection with the above report, we are going to submit a proposal to Tavan Tolgoi Tulsh LLC.

The most important thing is to fight against smoke with improved fuel, new stoves, and the help of responsible citizens. We can’t solve this problem if we put all the blame on the fuel during the winter and try to keep warm.”