POLLUTION IN KYRGYZSTAN: AIR, WATER, MINING, RADIATION

AIR POLLUTION IN BISHKEK

power plants near Bishkek

Snow-capped mountains that once were clearly visible from the streets of Bishkek are now often hidden behind thick smog. The Kyrgyz capital, home to about one million people, experiences sharp increases in air pollution during winter as residents burn coal and other fuels to heat their homes. [Source: Tolkun Namatbayeva, with Christopher Rickleton in Almaty, AFP, February 18, 2020]

One of those monitoring the problem is environmental activist Kunduz Adylbekova, a program manager at the Archa Initiative nonprofit organization. She lives in an area of small private houses on the outskirts of the city where air quality is particularly poor. "The air here has a kind of heavy feel," Adylbekova said. Many residents use highly polluting stoves for heating and boiling water because they are not connected to the natural gas network. Large numbers of aging cars and trucks add to the pollution.

In her district, levels of PM2.5, a measure of fine airborne particles, regularly reach levels that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies as hazardous to human health. Adylbekova said readings are sometimes four times higher than the EPA's minimum hazardous level. "Residents are often ill, some suffer from lung problems," she said.

Bishkek's bowl-shaped location, surrounded by mountains, helps trap pollution close to the ground. The city is also home to a coal-fired power plant dating from the Soviet era. Authorities have relied on Russian energy company Gazprom to expand the city's gas distribution network and reduce dependence on coal-burning stoves. However, Adylbekova said her family had to pay about US$500 to connect to the gas network, a cost many residents cannot afford. As a result, many households continue to burn coal, and the smell of smoke remains common across some neighborhoods. City officials conduct regular inspections of homes suspected of burning prohibited materials.

Kasymbek Kerimov, a senior inspector with Bishkek's sanitary department, said fines are imposed only on residents burning toxic substances or used cooking oil rather than coal or wood. "These substances can cause real damage to the respiratory tract and cancers," Kerimov said. During one inspection, authorities fined a woman about US$107, more than half the average monthly salary, for burning scraps of fabric from the garment industry. The resident, Baktygul Beishereva, said local people have repeatedly asked authorities for basic infrastructure improvements. "We have asked the government about (installing) mains gas and plumbing," she said. "But no one is looking out for us here."

Water Pollution in Kyrgyzstan

The quality of drinking water from this aging system is poorly monitored — the water management staff has been cut drastically because of inadequate funds. Further, there is no money to buy new water disinfection equipment when it is needed. Some aquifers near industrial and mining centers have been contaminated by heavy metals, oils, and sanitary wastes. In addition, many localities rely on surface sources, making users vulnerable to agricultural runoff and livestock waste, which seep gradually downward from the surface. The areas of lowest water quality are the heavily populated regions of the Chu Valley and Osh and Jalal-Abad provinces, and areas along the rivers flowing into Issyk-Kul. [Source: Library of Congress, March 1996 *]

In towns, wastewater collection provides about 70 percent of the water supply. Although towns have biological treatment equipment, as much as 50 percent of such equipment is rated as ineffective. The major sources of toxic waste in the water supply are the mercury mining combine at Haidarkan; the antimony mine at Kadamzai; the Kadzyi Sai uranium mine, which ceased extraction in 1967 but which continues to leach toxic materials into nearby Issyk-Kul; the Kara-Balta Uranium Recovery Plant; the Min Kush deposit of mine tailings; and the Kyrgyz Mining and Metallurgy Plant at Orlovka. *

Drinking water source: 1) improved: urban: 97.1 percent of population; rural: 82.3 percent of population; total: 87.6 percent of population. 2) unimproved: urban: 2.9 percent of population; rural: 17.7 percent of population; total: 12.4 percent of population (2012 est.). [Source: CIA World Factbook =]

Sanitation facility access: 1) improved: urban: 91.9 percent of population; rural: 91.7 percent of population; total: 91.8 percent of population 2) unimproved: urban: 8.1 percent of population; rural: 8.3 percent of population total: 8.2 percent of population (2012 est.). =

Environmental Problems at Kumtor Gold Mine

The Kumtor mine in western Kyrgyzstan — 350 kilometers southeast of Bishkek — is the largest goldmine operated by a Western company in Central Asia. It has been ranked at various times as the world’s fifth largest and seventh largest gold mine. Located at an elevation of 4,000 meters in the Tien Shan, it opened in 1996 at a cost of $452 million and is run by Centerra Gold, a Toronto-based mining company. In the early 2000s, it yielded 19 tons of gold a year, generating 10 percent of Kyrgyzstan’s GNP and 40 percent of its export income.[Source: Harry Maurer, Business Week, October 29, 2001]

According to Bankwatch.org: “The Kumtor mine is located in a remote area of the Tian-Shan mountain range next to the Sarychat-Ertash reserve and not far from the Issyk-Kul lake, an important regional tourist attraction. The mine is being developed in fragile conditions of permafrost and in the vicinity of glaciers that feed fresh waters into the transboundary Naryn River. It is an area of surreal beauty. [Source: Bankwatch.org ^]

“The mine pit slices through two glaciers (Lysyi and Davidov). This vicinity and the practice of storing waste rock directly on the glaciers damages these enormous natural ice sheets. The glaciers, already suffering from the impacts of climate change, are melting much faster and have shrunk tremendously in recent years. ^

“Likely the most serious problem at Kumtor is the slow long-term release of contaminants from current and future mining operations. During summer operations (May through October) some five million cubic metres of waste water from the tailings are treated and discharged into the Kumtor River and eventually flow into the Naryn River (later Syrdarya) towards Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan. While Centerra Gold Inc. does not publicise data on the quality of the discharged water, people living near the Kumtor River observed an enormous decrease in fish stock in recent years and suspect that the river has already been polluted. ^

“The mine's tailings (i.e. chemically polluted leftovers) are located below Lake Petrov. The lake grew by more than 92,000 square metres annually in recent years due to a melting glacier. The lake's natural dam has become less and less stable (according to Torgoev Isakbek, author of a State Commission report on the subject). Although there is no imminent danger, the lake's tremendous growth might cause it to break out at some point.

Soviet-Era Radioactive Dump Sites in Kyrgyzstan

Central Asia faces significant environmental challenges from radioactive waste left behind by Soviet-era uranium mining and processing. According to European Union estimates, more than 1 billion tonnes of uranium tailings and other radioactive waste are stored at sites across Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Many of these sites are located near populated areas, river systems, and regions vulnerable to landslides, earthquakes, and flooding. To address the problem, the European Union, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have funded studies and cleanup projects aimed at reducing environmental and public health risks. [Source: Kanat Altynbayev]

Kyrgyzstan contains some of the most hazardous uranium waste sites in Central Asia. The Soviet Union left numerous tailings dumps throughout the country, many of them located in mountainous areas vulnerable to landslides and erosion. Environmental groups and government agencies have long sought international assistance to stabilize these sites and reduce the risk of radioactive contamination.

Among the seven uranium waste sites have been identified as high-priority locations for remediation are Mailuu-Suu, Shekaftar, and Min-Kush in Kyrgyzstan. Environmental officials have focused on preventing radioactive contamination from reaching the densely populated Ferghana Valley, which is shared by Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

The town of Mailuu-Suu in Jalal-Abad Region is considered one of the region's most serious environmental problem areas. The town contains 23 uranium tailings dumps and approximately 2 million cubic meters (70.6 million cubic feet) of radioactive waste. Studies have reported elevated radiation levels in some locations. Experts have warned that landslides, floods, or earthquakes could damage containment structures and release radioactive material into nearby river systems.

Mailuu-Suu, the Kyrgyz Town Built on a Nuclear Waste Site

Mailuu-Suu is a town in southern Kyrgyzstan that became one of the Soviet Union’s main uranium mining and processing centers. Between 1946 and 1968, the town’s uranium plant produced and processed more than 10,000 metric tons of uranium ore, supplying material for the Soviet nuclear weapons and atomic energy programs. During that period, millions of tons of radioactive waste were deposited near the town and along the Mailuu-Suu River. Little attention was given to the long-term environmental consequences of the waste disposal.[Source: David Trilling,EurasiaNet, The Guardian, August 3, 2015; Pure Earth, worstpolluted.org]

Today, Mailuu-Suu contains 23 uranium tailings dumps and 13 waste rock dumps. The tailings have a total volume of about 1.96 million cubic meters, while waste rock accounts for another 800,000 cubic meters. The town and surrounding region are located in an area prone to earthquakes, landslides, and flooding, raising concerns that radioactive materials could be released into rivers and spread across Central Asia. About 25,000 people live in and around the town, while millions downstream could potentially be affected by contamination.

The risks associated with the waste have been highlighted by several natural disasters. In 2005, an earthquake triggered a landslide that reportedly sent about 300,000 cubic meters of material into the Mailuu-Suu River near uranium tailings sites. Many of the protective dams and barriers built during the Soviet era have deteriorated over time. Government officials have warned that some structures require urgent maintenance to prevent erosion and possible releases of radioactive material.

Mailuu-Suu is one of seven uranium waste sites in Kyrgyzstan and is often cited as one of the world's most contaminated former mining communities. The International Atomic Energy Agency and other organizations have identified the town as a priority location for environmental remediation. Concerns focus on radioactive tailings, radon gas released from decaying uranium, and heavy metals that may enter soil and water supplies. These hazards have made Mailuu-Suu a symbol of the environmental legacy left by Soviet uranium mining.

Health Problems of People in Mailuu-Suu

Residents of Mailuu-Suu have long expressed concerns about the health effects of living near radioactive waste sites. Local people frequently associate illnesses and deaths in the community with exposure to uranium tailings and contaminated water. Many residents report cases of cancer among relatives and neighbors, contributing to widespread anxiety about the town’s environmental conditions. However, establishing direct links between specific illnesses and radiation exposure has often been difficult.[Source: David Trilling,EurasiaNet, The Guardian, August 3, 2015; Pure Earth, worstpolluted.org]

Health concerns focus on exposure to radiation, radon gas, and heavy metals. Radon, a radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium, can increase the risk of lung cancer when inhaled over long periods. Heavy metals such as cadmium have also been detected in the area and are associated with various health risks, including some forms of cancer. Environmental groups have reported concerns about weakened immune systems and other health problems among young people living in the region.

Local residents often complain about a lack of reliable information regarding health risks. Some say they are not informed about the dangers of visiting tailings sites or the possible effects of contamination. Parents have reported symptoms such as nausea and vomiting among children, while community members frequently cite cancer and blood disorders as major concerns. At the same time, some medical officials have argued that rising cancer rates reflect broader global trends rather than conditions unique to Mailuu-Suu.

The uncertainty surrounding health impacts has contributed to distrust between residents and authorities. Many people believe that illnesses are connected to uranium waste, while officials and health professionals have sometimes been reluctant to draw direct conclusions without scientific evidence. As a result, rumors and conspiracy theories have circulated in the community. The lack of clear communication has often made it difficult for residents to distinguish between documented risks and unverified claims.

Efforts to Clean Up and Educate People About Mailuu-Suu

International organizations, the Kyrgyz government, and foreign donors have launched several initiatives to address the environmental hazards in Mailuu-Suu. In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly called for greater international support to help Central Asian countries deal with radioactive waste left from Soviet uranium mining. The International Atomic Energy Agency, the World Bank, the European Union, and other organizations have participated in studies, planning efforts, and cleanup projects. These programs aim to reduce the risk of contamination and improve long-term safety. [Source: David Trilling,EurasiaNet, The Guardian, August 3, 2015; Pure Earth, worstpolluted.org]

One of the most significant projects took place between 2010 and 2012, when a World Bank-led effort relocated and reburied one of the town’s most dangerous tailings dumps. The project cost about US$8.4 million and was designed to protect the waste from landslides and erosion. Officials estimate that relocating additional high-risk tailings sites could cost tens of millions of dollars more. Because of the scale of the problem, cleanup work has proceeded gradually.

Government agencies have also carried out maintenance on dams, barriers, and other protective structures around the waste sites. Emergency officials monitor areas considered vulnerable to landslides and flooding and conduct repairs when funding is available. However, officials acknowledge that limited budgets restrict the amount of work that can be completed. In some cases, fences and warning signs have deteriorated or been removed, creating additional challenges for site protection.

Authorities say they have organized educational campaigns to inform residents, particularly children, about the dangers of radioactive waste sites. These efforts include warnings to avoid tailings dumps and information about environmental hazards. Nevertheless, reports indicate that many residents remain poorly informed about the risks, and some children are unaware of the purpose of the tailings sites. Experts have argued that improving public education and communication is essential for reducing exposure and building trust while long-term cleanup efforts continue.

Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons

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Last updated July 2026