A meeting was held with enterprise representatives to discuss concrete steps for improving air quality in Rustavi

The Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, Mr. David Songulashvili, First Deputy Minister Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili, Mayor of Rustavi Mrs. Nino Latsabidze, and Members of Parliament of Georgia, Mr. Aleksandre Dalakishvili and Mr. Irakli Shatakishvili, met with representatives of enterprises operating in the town of Rustavi. During the working meeting, the parties discussed issues related to improving air quality and ensuring compliance with environmental obligations.
 

According to the First Deputy Minister, certain progress has been achieved in recent years in improving air quality in Rustavi; however, challenges remain.

“Several important measures have been implemented to improve the ecological situation in Rustavi. One of the most significant steps has been the adoption of continuous self-monitoring systems, which are currently installed in almost all enterprises. However, in recent periods, the spread of unpleasant odours has been observed in the city. Challenges related to air pollution remain relevant. These were precisely the issues discussed during our meeting with enterprise representatives,” noted Mrs Nino Tandilashvili. 

As mentioned, the Environmental Supervision Department would further strengthen control over enterprises operating in Rustavi. Notably, the Department conducts continuous inspections of all major enterprises.


“Together with the Ministry’s leadership, we met with representatives of enterprises and received information on ongoing issues that should have a positive impact on improving the ecological condition in the town. Naturally, there is strong interest in how enterprises operate in Rustavi and what measures they are taking to modernise their operations and introduce contemporary standards,” stated Mrs Nino Latsabidze.

 
Notably, air quality improvement efforts in Rustavi are being implemented within the framework of the 2023–2025 Atmospheric Air Quality Management Plan, which prioritises the reduction of pollutants originating from the industrial, construction, and transport sectors.

An atmospheric air quality monitoring station operates in Rustavi, equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, ensuring the National Environmental Agency with comprehensive, continuous, 24-hour data on ambient air conditions.

The Head of the Environmental Supervision Department, Mr Levan Jgharkava, the Head of the National Environmental Agency, Mrs Elene Ghubianuri, and heads of the relevant departments attended the meeting.