Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ On December 26, the Standing Committee on Petitions of the State Great Khural ran an open discussion “Air pollution and Ulaanbaatar’s Smog” at the State House. Air pollution in Ulaanbaatar has already exceeded the tolerable level in 5-6 times, highlighted D.Sarangerel MP, the head of the Standing committee.

The discussion was participated by the Standing committee members, officials from the Office of the President, Ministries of Environment and Tourism, Finance, Road and Transport Development, Health and of Energy, city administration, the General Agency for Specialized Inspection, the Academy of Sciences and NGOs.

In her opening speech, D.Sarangerel MP said the smog problem started in the 1990s in Ulaanbaatar. Today, not only Ulaanbaatar but also some minor settlements are affected by smog, she added.

It is considered that more than 80 percent of the smog comes from the chimney smoke of ger area households who burn coal for cooking and heating. The citizens of Ulaanbaatar are basically breathing polluted air for almost half of the total 365 days of a year. The amount of a toxic component called benzopirin, which causes cancer, has been observed to exceed the tolerable level in 14 times in Ulaanbaatar’s smog, according to a study conducted by Chinese researchers.

The discussion coincided with the peaceful demonstration of parents who criticized the government and the city administration for their inability to take resolute measures for reducing air pollution.

“Air pollution is a problem of responsibility. Our citizens are demanding a certian effective decision on this”, said D.Sarangerel MP.

The Minister of Environment and Tourism, Ms D.Oyunkhorol gave a presentation on “Measures taken to reduce air pollution, pressing problems and solutions”, the Minister of Energy, Mr P.Gankhuu presented about preventive measures of discounting the nighttime power tariff for ger areas and challenges facing, and the State Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Mr D.Ochirbat spoke on the ways to reduce air pollution impact on people’s health.

In closing speech, D.Sarangerel MP said the discussion was attended by 58 people. “The problem of air pollution cannot be regarded in a politicized manner”, she noted.

In order to reduce air pollution in Ulaanbaatar and other cities, it is necessary to limit the migration from the countryside to urban centers, to manage the disposal of unqualified vehicles and to undertake resolute actions against air pollution, in general, she underlined.

“The discussion results are to be submitted to the cabinet. The parliament plans to adopt a long-term program against air pollution”, highlighted the head of the Standing committee on Petitions.