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Four Drown in Buir Lake Ice Break as Ulaanbaatar Weighs COP17 Rentals and 350 Billion-Tugrik Tram Spend

Temporary facilities for August’s UN desertification summit will be rented from France’s G Elevent for 70.1 billion MNT.

Overview

  • Rescuers responded after a car with six aboard went through the ice on Dornod’s Buir Lake on Feb 24, leaving two survivors and four victims, including two children.
  • Police report two Halhgol residents who disappeared during a Feb 21 snowstorm are likely deceased from exposure, with investigations ongoing.
  • The national weather service warns of persistent cold, wind and intermittent snow through late February, urging the public to avoid travel on ice-covered waters.
  • Ulaanbaatar’s council is debating a budget amendment to cover 70.1 billion MNT for COP17 venue rentals and services, with officials outlining cost items and timing ahead of the August event.
  • A proposed 350 billion MNT allocation in 2026 for the Ulaanbaatar Tram Line 2 drew criticism from some councilors, while the city reports progress on social programs including 1,241 household gas conversions, 18 refill points, three child‑friendly interview rooms, and licensing-law hearings running Feb 24–26.