Publication Details
Abstract
This article examines the theoretical-legal and practical aspects of the legal protection of atmospheric air quality in cities, including the problems arising in this sphere in the Republic of Uzbekistan and the ways of resolving them through regulatory-legal means. The relevance of the study is determined by the sharp increase in the level of air pollution observed in recent years in Tashkent and other major cities, which poses a serious threat to public health, the economy, and ecological sustainability. The purpose of the study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the national legislative framework for the protection of urban air quality against international legal norms and the experience of foreign states and to identify gaps in the current regulatory mechanism. The analysis indicates that Uzbekistan's current legislation on the protection of atmospheric air is based largely on approaches from the last century and has not sufficiently adapted to modern ecological risks in particular, pollution by fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The study also reveals systemic problems such as the ineffectiveness of liability institutions, the lack of coordination between urban planning and environmental expert review, and the weakness of judicial practice. In conclusion, the author recommends the adoption of a unified Environmental Code, the introduction of mandatory urban PM2.5 standards, and the strengthening of mechanisms for the judicial protection of citizens' environmental rights.