Fate of trees: construction in Tashkent and controversial solutions

Is it acceptable to cut down trees for construction? The debate heats up again

The pressing issue of tree cutting and related restrictions in connection with Tashkent’s construction activities is once again in the spotlight. At a special meeting held on July 17, entrepreneur Murod Nazarov openly stated why construction companies are sometimes forced to cut down trees.

According to him, there is no more free space in the capital, so each new project is carried out in areas with existing buildings and trees. During renovation or reconstruction, construction equipment often faces obstacles due to trees, which leads to their removal. Nazarov believes that such restrictions foster corruption, and in practice, trees are being cut anyway — which is unfortunate.

What solution did Nazarov propose?

He suggested that each construction company should be required to pre-calculate how many trees might be cut and plant that number in advance. If the company cannot handle this itself, it can buy trees through a “tree bank” from third parties. The newly planted trees would then be transferred to the balance of the district where the cutting took place. He believes this process should be organized in a planned manner.

“Moratorium may increase corruption” — Nazarov

Nazarov stated that the temporary moratorium was introduced due to public outcry and that it actually fuels corruption while construction continues. He argued that rather than restrictions, it is more effective to implement smart and legal mechanisms.

Opposing views also voiced

MP Bobur Bekmurodov strongly opposed such approaches. He stated that the current moratorium is not a topic for debate but must be strictly enforced. “Developers say tree cutting should be legalized, while environmentalists suggest construction should happen outside the city. It is up to the public to decide what is right,” he said.

Bekmurodov also criticized the idea of replacing cut trees with new ones. “It takes 7–10 years for a single plane tree to provide shade. Did the developer plant such a park in advance?” he asked.

What are the penalties and punishments?

According to the Administrative Responsibility Code (Article 79), illegal tree cutting is punishable by fines. Citizens may be fined from 25 to 50 BRV, and officials from 50 to 75 BRV. These penalties also apply to damaging or illegally relocating trees.

In conclusion

The contradiction between construction and environmental balance in Tashkent is becoming a nationwide issue. On one hand — development of the construction sector, on the other — the public’s desire to preserve green areas. This issue must be addressed through open dialogue among the public, environmentalists, and authorities. After all, every cut tree is not just a branch, but something that affects human lives. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!