Mongolia boosts efforts against pollution and traffic issues

Ulan Bator

The Mongolian government has declared a heightened state of preparedness on Friday in response to the worsening air pollution, traffic congestion, and energy shortages in the capital city, Ulan Bator.

Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene highlighted the severity of these issues, stating, "We must collectively recognize that Ulan Bator is facing unprecedented challenges, including severe air pollution, traffic congestion, and energy shortages." He added that the situation had reached a critical point, necessitating urgent action and a special legal framework to address these problems.

Ulan Bator, originally built for 500,000 residents, now houses about half of Mongolia's 3.5 million people. Over 50% of the city's population lives in ger districts, where there are no central heating, water, or sewage systems. The lack of proper infrastructure has contributed to the worsening air quality, particularly in the winter months when heating is largely powered by processed fuels. As a result, PM 2.5 levels in the city far exceed the World Health Organization's recommended safety limits.

Traffic congestion is also a major concern, with 720,000 registered vehicles in the capital. Moreover, power shortages during the winter have led to rationing, with the city imposing measures to limit electricity use to prevent blackouts.

Oyun-Erdene has urged citizens and organizations to work together with the government to find and implement solutions to these pressing issues.