Many people say that they slip and fall on the shiny stone tiles of streets and squares, trip in potholes and cracks on roads, or fall into open manholes. Falling objects from construction sites and unsafe environment led many people to death in the past. For instance, a drunken man reportedly fell down an elevator shaft and died in the beginning of 2020. Many accidents of injury or death are registered, which are attributed to uncovered manholes and water drainage systems or unsafe electrical installations. Living in a healthy and safe environment is everyone’s right according to the Constitution. But is Ulaanbaatar a safe environment to live in? Many would say no.

According to a survey conducted last year, there were 5,423 violations of environmental safety rules and regulations registered in Ulaanbaatar. Related organizations and individuals were ordered to eliminate the violations within 90 days, but research shows that its rate was not sufficient. Three months is not a short period for fixing safety violations. Many people can get injured or die from irresponsibility of some organizations.

Reporters went around the city center to point out some obvious health and safety regulations in the most populated area of the city.

Few days ago, a footage which reportedly showed an unsafe roof structure of the State Department Store was circulating on social media. As soon as the video was released, the store officials took quick action and removed the unsafe part of the roof. Thanks to the public attention, no serious accidents occurred.

It could be said that environmental hazards has become a common occurrence in our daily lives.

A high voltage power line was hanging very low near Naiman Sharga currency trading center in the 2th khoroo of Chingeltei District. A four to five meter long electric wire was swinging wildly in the wind and residents nearby always walked on the opposite side of the road to avoid the electrical wire.

A large notice board was swaying in the wind outside an apartment developed by Avzaga LLC, near Urt Tsagaan shopping and service center. The notice board hanging on the outer wall of Government Building No.11 was blown away and frightened passersby, a few days ago. The building has has stories high and there were two advertisement boards attached to the outer wall that were almost equal in height to the building. Such a large board falling could injure people easily in strong winds. These violations were within just one kilometer from each other. Most adults know to keep away from hazards, but children lack such awareness. Nobody can tell for sure when accidents will happen.

However, there are still more serious violations of public safety. There are three restaurants operating in Khunsnii Neg, Chingeltei District. The ventilation fans were hung along the sidewalks. Loose iron bolts made the fans rattle amid strong winds, making passersby anxious about it falling on them. If a ventilation fan weighing up to 50 kg falls on a person's head, it will sure to cause serious injury or even death.

The main sector that violates safety regulations is construction. There are many heavy objects, including steel beams, bricks and blocks, in construction sites. Death from falling objects from construction sites is not uncommon. Not only construction sites, but also a completed buildings pose a danger to those below it. Many new buildings have been put into operation in the 17th khoroo of Chingeltei District in recent years.

Resident of 17th khoroo, Sh.Bayartsetseg said, “It's been two years since we moved into the new apartment. There is no playground, and construction is underway near, so I always follow my child when he goes to play outside. Recently, my son suffered a serious head injury. People dug the ground and piled gravel up here. My two-year-old son stumbled on a pebble while playing and fell into a hole, injuring his head. I didn't make a complaint, because he was playing while injured. But there is no telling if other children will be more seriously injured. If they are starting a construction project, they need to build a fence around it. This is an obvious example of the lack of a safe living environment for citizens. People face many dangers on a daily basis, but those responsible for it are given three months to address it."

Deputy Head of the Standards and Environmental Safety Supervision and Regulation Agency of the Ulaanbaatar Mayor’s Office O.Odjargal said, “A task force led by Deputy Mayor of Ulaanbaatar B.Otgonsukh inspected all nine districts last year. They found 5,425 violations of safety on public streets, roads, squares, sidewalks, buildings, roads, bridges, lighting and utilities. This is a high number. The construction sector is full of risks and violation. We are working together with the Ulaanbaatar Professional Inspection Agency to eliminate their violations. On November 8 last year, the heads of the two organizations issued a joint statement to the violators. Now it will be concluded by May 1. The Ministry of Construction and Urban Development, the Ulaanbaatar Professional Inspection Department and some law organizations can charge organizations for safety violations. Also, we have a right to suspend construction process and revoke licenses. We have no such interest. We just ask them to operate in accordance with the requirements. If not, we will take the above measures. Also, all new construction work has to be done under the 6,199 standards, 619 rules and six credentials, and the related organizations monitor and inspect its implementation.”

Reporters asked if the city living environment is safe and comfortable from Ulaanbaatar residents

Resident of 7th khoroo of Chingeltei District S.Enkhtuya:

Since 1970, our khoroo set up few light poles and stairs around here. No other decent work was done. We belong to the 11th section of the 7th khoroo. The Dalan Davkhar Cemetery is just two streets away. I heard many times that the air in this area is high in toxic gases. In 2010, government officials said that they will cremate the burials and create a garden park there. But nothing was changed. During spring, outhouses, and sewage spilled on the street produces bad odor. I want it to be clean, but the streets are dirty and everyone’s shoes and clothes become dusty just after a five-minute walk. The social worker of our khoroo said that they got funding for some projects, but nothing has changed. In general, there’s a lack of safe environment for citizens in the city. Occasionally there is a single light pole that is not set up correctly. For example, a newly established light pole at the end of the street makes it difficult for cars to get in and out. There is an urgent need to improve infrastructure, problems of lighting, cameras, and water and sewage systems.

Resident of 17th khoroo of Sukhbaatar District G.Surenbat:

I have lived here for 20 years. During this time, the Ulaanbaatar Mayor’s Office did not take adequate measures to ensure the safety of our living environment. They said that many things were completed, but nothing has changed. There are many problems in our street, such as dust, lighting, and sidewalks. During spring, many homes have been hit by spring flood due to winter’s heavy snow. Flood control dams are required here. One street light was set up in our street, but it worked for a week and broke down.

Resident of 7th khoroo of Khan-Uul District S.Suvd-Erdene:

There is a high risk of falling objects injuring or killing people around here. It's scary to go alone in the evening because there is no street light. Also, when it is windy, it smells bad and makes me nauseous. We are not living in a healthy or safe environment here. There is no playground for children to spend their free time. There is no sidewalk to walk on, so we walk along the traffic road.

Resident of 27th khoroo of Songinokharikhan District Ch.Munkhbaatar:

The place where I live is clean, comfortable, and there are no problems. We have good lighting and sidewalks. A drunken person may fall into a nearby dam and get injured here.

Resident of 12th khoroo of Sukhbaatar District S.Khuslen:

There is no playground outside the apartment, so in summer I play with my friends on the street. Occasionally, it smells bad outside. Also, my shoes and pants get dirty easily because it’s very dirty outside. There was no light, so I stumbled into a big hole and scratched my knee recently.