Homiel and another 176 towns and villages have been removed from the list of settlements and sites located in radioactive contamination zones. The corresponding resolution was signed by Belarusian Prime Minister Aliaksandr Turchyn.
The list was updated following surveys of contaminated areas conducted by the Natural Resources Ministry and the Health Ministry between 2021 and 2025. Specialists collected soil samples and assessed radiation doses received by the population. An analysis of the findings showed “a significant improvement in conditions in certain settlements located in territories contaminated with radionuclides,” the government’s press service said.
In 2021, there were 2,022 settlements with a combined population of 930,600 people, as well as 49 sites, located in radioactive contamination zones.
The updated list removes 177 settlements, including Homiel, Lelchytsy, Luninets and Iwye, as well as 33 sites. As a result, the list now includes 1,845 settlements with a combined population of 364,200 people, along with 33 sites.
The resolution will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. Benefits providing free meals will remain in place until June 2027 for minors living and/or studying in educational institutions located in territories being removed from the contaminated category.
