Under the framework of the Almaty-Bishkek Economic Corridor (ABEC), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) supports the governments of Kazakhstan and the Kyrgyz Republic in their efforts to provide a healthy and clean urban environment starting by piloting air quality sensors in Bishkek and Almaty. The devices measure particulate matter and Nitrogen dioxide and help identify the main sources of pollution.

Almaty and Bishkek are the main economic centers in Central Asia and are only 240 kilometers apart from each other. During the winter, both cities are heavily trapped by deep smog and polluted air that comes from coal power plants, vehicles, and the burning of wood and coal causing severe health problems and a high prevalence of respiratory diseases in the population. This situation has been dire for decades, and the urban population is increasingly aware of the detrimental health effects of this pollution problem.

For example, in Bishkek, the World Health Organization estimates that outdoor air pollution is causing approximately 400 premature deaths with national health-related costs amounting to $1.4 billion per year. In Bishkek, air pollution is causing 29% of all deaths and diseases from lung cancer, 24% of all deaths from stroke, and 43% of all deaths and disease from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

ABEC is supporting the cities of Bishkek and Almaty in their efforts to improve air quality. As a first step, ADB financed 50 air quality sensors for Bishkek. ADB is working closely with the Agency on Hydrometeorology under the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic (KyrgyzHydroMet), guided by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on 10 September 2020. The 50 devices were deployed throughout the city of Bishkek in January 2021. In October 2022, 50 air quality sensors were deployed throughout Almaty city in close cooperation with the Green Ecology Department of the Almaty City Administration and the National Hydrometeorological Service of Kazakhstan (Kazhydromet).

Air Quality Sensor in Bishkek City

Air Quality Sensor in Almaty City

The devices include solar panels, environmental shields for outside use, and cellular connectivity to send live air quality data for real-time tracking of the air quality on the ABEC website. Publication of air quality data will help increase the awareness of the local population regarding the causes and health impacts of air quality and serve as the basis for air quality improvement strategies.

ADB will support mitigation measures of both governments starting with the preparation of Clean Air Action Plans for Almaty and Bishkek. The plans will develop technological solutions, policy actions, and investment proposals for air quality management.