"Smokeless Ulaanbaatar" a government plan

Government officials held discussions this week on the dire situation of air pollution levels in the capital city, Ulaanbaatar. The national plan “Smokeless Ulaanbaatar” will be submitted to Parliament in April.

The program aims to reduce or prevent the use of coal-powered household stoves in suburban ger districts which are the main contributors to the air pollution. Gers are traditional Mongolian homes, a one-room round felt tent with a central hearth. The government plans to conduct a review of previously unsuccessful model projects on ecologically friendly and fuel efficient stoves – why they didn’t work, and whether there are more efficient stoves available that would be acceptable.

Mass migration from rural areas to the city and the ever-expanding city construction has also influenced the government’s future plan. By 2016 the plan estimates that more than 70% of ger district areas would become modern apartments and more green parks would be planned.

It is estimated that the government will require about $2 million USD to reduce its current level of air pollution in half by the year 2016.

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