On July 26 of this year, reports spread on social media about the South Fergana Canal in the Bulakbashi district of the Andijan region being filled with toxic foam. "Uzgidromet" provided an official statement regarding the situation.
According to reports, the canal was inspected by environmental officials. Studies revealed changes in the physical and chemical composition of the water.
"The reason is that a sewing and knitwear factory is located near the Fergana Canal, which passes through the Shirmonbulok area. The factory discharged water used for processing recycled fabrics into the canal. As a result, the appearance and composition of the water changed. Nitrite and nitrate salts, alkali, and dyes were detected in the water. The issue was resolved by responsible environmental officials," the statement said.
Earlier, a darakchi.uz correspondent contacted Lochinbek Isomiddinov, the press secretary of the regional ecology department, to clarify the situation.
"We are aware of this. Our staff took water samples and sent them to the laboratory for analysis. This foam is not related to 'paint.' Most likely, someone dumped or spilled 'powder,' we assume. Not only our employees in Khojaabad and Bulakbashi districts but also other organizations and agencies are thoroughly investigating along the canal. Detailed information will be provided based on the final conclusions," said a representative of the department.
"Andijan Water Supply" JSC wrote on its Telegram channel that there are no industrial zones in the area and later deleted and republished the post after editing.
"The formation of foam on the water surface is a natural process related to the speed of water pressure," stated the deleted text.
Later, the Bulakbashi district administration also commented on the situation. It was reported that the case has been taken under supervision by the Andijan Regional Prosecutor's Office. Additional information will be provided based on the investigation results.
