Uzbekistan’s Senate approved an expansion of Samarkand’s boundaries and the abolition of Samarkand district, according to the resolution.
The city will absorb 17,226.5 hectares of land. Senators estimate that Samarkand’s population will reach 880,000 after the boundary changes.
Another 28,295 hectares from the abolished Samarkand district will be transferred to Taylak district. The changes will also affect the boundaries of Akdarya and Pastdargom districts.
The designation of 6,263 hectares of transferred agricultural land will remain unchanged. The Senate said this was intended to protect farmland and preserve the environmental balance.
The expansion is expected to reduce population density, improve transport infrastructure and ease traffic congestion. The new areas are planned to host industrial zones, technology parks, businesses and projects in services, tourism and construction.
Before reaching the Senate, the proposal was approved at meetings of mahalla citizens’ assemblies and city, district and regional councils of people’s deputies.
Senators adopted the resolution after the debate. Implementation will require formal changes to the administrative boundaries of Samarkand and neighbouring districts.
