On July 23, 2025, in Shymkent, as part of a large-scale environmental campaign "Clean Kazakhstan", a clean-up day was held in the 8th microdistrict. The event brought together under its banners employees of public utilities, active citizens, representatives of organizations and ordinary residents ready to contribute to the cleanliness and improvement of their hometown.

The organizers and participants cleared the courtyards, pedestrian paths, irrigation canals and ditches from garbage, silt and household waste. Such events have not only a visual effect, but also a deeper meaning - they contribute to the formation of a culture of careful attitude to the environment, strengthen the sense of responsibility for the common space.

The Clean Kazakhstan environmental campaign is not taking place for the first time. In Shymkent, its implementation has already become a good tradition. Previously, similar events were held in different parts of the city, including the Samal, Nursat and suburban areas. For example, in 2023, a cleanup day was held in Nursat, where, in addition to cleaning the area, trees and shrubs were planted, and residents received reminders on waste management rules. In 2024, schoolchildren, students and members of volunteer movements actively joined the cleanup in Samal, which became an important step in involving young people in solving environmental problems.

What distinguishes the 2025 event is the increasing participation of the citizens themselves. If previously the bulk of the work was done by public utilities, now you can increasingly see neighbors who come out with bags, rakes and gloves, ready to change the surrounding space with their own hands. This indicates an increase in environmental awareness among the population.

In addition, more and more attention is being paid not only to garbage collection, but also to cleaning irrigation canals and ditches. This plays a key role in the city’s ecosystem. Clogged drains interfere with natural drainage, contribute to swamping and the spread of insects, and also increase the risk of flooding after rains. Regular cleaning helps maintain the balance of the water system and protects green areas from drought.

It is also worth noting the symbolic side of such clean-up days. Participation in joint work unites people, creates a sense of involvement in the city's affairs. Many residents admit that after such events they begin to look at the surrounding space differently - not as an impersonal territory, but as an extension of their home, which needs to be looked after.

The effect of "Clean Kazakhstan" is becoming noticeable in everyday life. More and more people are sorting garbage, refusing plastic, and keeping playgrounds and yards clean. Environmental culture is gradually becoming commonplace, and this is one of the main achievements of such campaigns.

From an environmental perspective, regular clean-ups reduce the overall load on the urban ecosystem. Reducing the amount of waste reduces the risk of soil and groundwater pollution, while well-maintained green spaces help reduce temperatures in city blocks, improve air quality, and enrich biodiversity. Restoring irrigation canals provides moisture to plants, thereby preventing their death during the hot summer months.

The Shymkent administration has already announced that the initiative will be continued. Similar clean-up days are planned for other microdistricts in the near future. Particular attention will be paid to abandoned areas, squares and coastal areas. Not only local residents, but also schoolchildren, students, the business community and public associations will be involved in the event. This will make the campaign even more widespread and sustainable.

Ultimately, Clean Kazakhstan is not just about clean-ups. It is about culture, values, and lifestyle. It is a call to live in harmony with nature and not to shift responsibility to the state or neighbors. Every person can make a contribution — from participating in clean-ups to simply maintaining cleanliness in everyday life.

A clean city starts with a clean yard, and a clean yard starts with the initiative of its residents. Let every clean-up day be a step towards a future in which Shymkent will become not only a green and well-groomed, but also an environmentally conscious metropolis.