MAYOR INTRODUCES HIS PLAN FOR AIR POLLUTION REDUCTION

On January 27, the Citizen’s Representative Khural of Ulaanbaatar held its 7th meeting to address timely matters such as measures taken against air pollution and implementation of a recommendation issued by National Security Council.

The meeting began as Mayor of Ulaanbaatar S.Batbold reported on the past measures he took and his action plan for the near future. For the past 10 years or in 2007-2016, MNT 119 billion 779 million has been allocated from the capital city budget to tackle air pollution, and MNT 87 billion 187 million from foreign aid. In total, MNT 206 billion 964 million has been spent for the last 10 years in an attempt to reduce air pollution in Ulaanbaatar.

Major projects funded by this investment include a project to promote production of eco-friendly fuel, a project to reduce smoke produced by vehicles, ‘Coal’ program and 97,000 improved stoves project.

The Mayor then introduced the measures he has taken since his appointment such as issuance of face masks to students and air purifiers to kindergartens, a decision to zero night-time electricity charge, and three ordinances directed at reduction of air pollution.

The Mayor’s report continued with his upcoming measures against air pollution such as introduction of hybrid buses, banning diesel engines, improving vehicle diagnostic tests, stopping the consumption of raw coal, building new power plant, having a statute of Ulaanbaatar approved, halting coal retail, and increasing renewable energy generation.

The meeting concluded with adoption of a scheme for the next 3 months to be realized by the City Administration.

Source:http://en.montsame.mn/society/8522