Ulaanbaatar managing officials met on Monday to hear updates on various organizations’ winter preparation efforts.

The State Specialized Inspecting Agency (SSIA) has inspected the activities of organizations located in the central region of the capital. According to the SSIA, 768 organizations were inspected according to anti-air pollution criteria that require the use of electric heaters instead of coal-burning stoves. Violators were fined MNT 1.5 million. Also, 130 organizations began to use electric heaters after being inspected. The SSIA also reported that construction has stopped on 187 buildings, and the guards at those sites have started to use electric heaters.

Chief of Ulaanbaatar Health Office S.Tuul informed the officials that influenza in the capital accounted for 5.9 percent of dispensary examinations and 43 percent of children’s emergency visits from November 7 to 14.

Manager General Ch.Bat said organizations cleared snow from squares, roads, and pavements in their neighborhoods from November 16 to 20. A total of 2,435 organizations have cleared snow. Also, the Ulaanbaatar Planning Office has spread 192 tons of salt and 45 tons of other substances to increase traction. Ch.Bat said that the office has reserves of 300 cubic meters of sand, 100 tons of snow-melting substances, and 40 tons of gravel. An additional 200 tons of snow-melting substances will be imported from Russia soon.

Deputy Mayor B.Baatarzorig asked relevant officials to stop the activities of any organization that burns raw coal, to cover open manholes, and to continue clearing snow.