Spotlight on Dushanbe: Tajikistan's clean city revolution gains momentum
A story from the March 2024 edition of The Stepe
For years, the Tajik capital has struggled with smog, vehicle exhaust, and industrial pollution. But the government and international organizations are now determined to turn the city into a hub for clean energy and cleaner air.
Dushanbe, home to around 900,000 people, has witnessed a considerable decline in air quality in recent years, exacerbated by various polluting industries. Vehicle emissions alone have doubled in the past decade, contributing to an annual output of 340,000-540,000 tons of CO2 equivalent. With air particle levels surpassing WHO guidelines by 7 to 10 times, Dushanbe ranks among the most polluted capitals globally.
Two years ago, Tajikistan’s Rakhsh Taxi secured a $4.5 million investment to acquire 100 electric vehicles and set up 30 charging stations in Dushanbe, as part of the EBRD Green City program. The initiative aims to cut annual CO2 emissions by 1,240 tonnes and significantly improve air quality. But that’s just the start.
Annually, the Government in Dushanbe government launches various programmes to help mitigate the issue of air pollution. A multi-Ministry "Air Purity" initiative, is aimed at reducing significant amounts of vehicle emissions into the atmosphere by conducting car ecology checks. As part of this programme, 455 drivers have been fined in the past 9 months for not adhering to the city emission standards.Â
In 2023, those efforts got a boost with the Green City Action Plan (GCAP) for Dushanbe, supported by the EBRD Green City program. Through the plan, Dushanbe is tackling public transport emissions head-on. This comprehensive strategy focuses on electrification, particularly in the taxi sector, responsible for over 50% of total emissions. Beyond addressing environmental concerns, this initiative opens doors for collaboration in renewable energy, attracting foreign direct investment, and ushering in cutting-edge technologies.Â
Looking ahead, the next phase could involve targeting emissions from stationary sources, putting Tajikistan on an even faster track to a green future.