Vienna, (TDI): Kyrgyzstan’s Deputy Minister of Emergency Situations, Azamat Mambetov, has called for increased regional cooperation to address radiation safety concerns in Central Asia.
Speaking at the 68th session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, held in Vienna from September 16 to 20, Mambetov urged Central Asian nations to intensify efforts to reclaim uranium tailings in the region.
In his address, Mambetov highlighted the critical issue of radiation safety and emphasized the need for global collaboration in managing environmental hazards.
The IAEA adopted a resolution focusing on “The Role of the International Community in Preventing Radiation Threats in Central Asia.”
A strategic master plan was introduced to rehabilitate uranium-contaminated sites across Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan.
The Kyrgyz Deputy Minister updated IAEA members on the successful reclamation of two nuclear waste sites in southern Kyrgyzstan, benefiting nearly 80,000 residents.
Read Also: Kyrgyzstan to Host Turkic States Summit on AI
However, the ministry stressed that an additional $45 million is required to fully implement the regional master plan, according to Central Asian media.
Radioactive Waste Dumps in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan currently hosts 92 toxic and radioactive waste dumps, of which 23 contain uranium, while the remainder hold radioactive residues, heavy metals, and cyanide, primarily remnants from Soviet-era mining activities.
Read Also: China Grants Kyrgyzstan $28M for Projects
The Kyrgyz government expressed gratitude to international partners for their contributions but highlighted the ongoing need for financial and technical support to ensure long-term environmental safety.
