Uzbekistan’s National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change has opened a draft plan for public discussion on creating parks on vacated urban land.
The proposal covers sites left after hospitals, universities and class I and II environmentally hazardous industries are relocated. Housing complexes, shopping and entertainment centres and offices would be prohibited on the land.
The draft sets out a 14-stage conversion process. By 1 February each year, local administrations would compile lists of sites before relevant agencies inventory the buildings and land.
Structurally sound buildings could be retained for park administrations or environmental centres, while unsafe structures would be demolished. Former industrial land would have to be cleared of toxic contamination.
Prepared sites would be transferred to the ecology committee free of charge without the right to change their designated use. Entry to the new parks would have to remain free.
Businesses could be involved in maintaining the parks through auctions and public-private partnerships. They would be allowed to install lightweight structures for food courts, equipment rental and sports facilities.
Cutting trees or reducing green space for commercial outlets would be prohibited. Business operating conditions would include regular watering and unrestricted public access.
The parks would be funded through local budgets, the Yashil Makon programme, grants and private investment. Information on every site is expected to be published openly.
