In April 2025, work began on cleaning rivers and canals in Shymkent, and continues until July 24. These environmental and infrastructure measures are currently being carried out on an ongoing basis. The goal is to prevent flooding in the spring and summer periods, restore the city's water infrastructure, and maintain the cleanliness of the natural environment.

As part of this work, sediments and waste from river channels in the city are being cleaned using special equipment, and flows in water channels are being regulated. The main areas of this work are clearing silt from canals and ditch systems, cleaning coastlines, and inspecting water collection devices. Such measures, in addition to preventing natural disasters, also make a significant contribution to the restoration of the ecosystem.

The city administration and municipal services organize this work not as seasonal Saturdays, but as a planned activity throughout the year. This indicates that in recent years the city's environmental policy has gradually become more systematic. Cleaning activities, which used to be mostly seasonal or one-time, are now becoming a long-term strategy.

For example, in 2022, cleaning work was carried out on several large canals and riverbeds in Shymkent only in the spring. About several hundred tons of garbage and sediment were collected near the Bozaryk, Baidibek Bi, and Koshkar-ata rivers in the city and removed with special equipment. Although these works ensured the safety of the population from flooding, they were limited to only one season. The peculiarity of the current cleaning work in 2025 is that they are carried out regularly.

In 2024, the Emergency Situations Department and the Natural Resources Department also inspected the condition of rivers, lakes, and canals and carried out preventive work. However, this work was mostly limited to preliminary inspections and cleaning in limited areas. Systematic and planned cleaning was not undertaken.

As part of the cleaning work that began in March-April 2025, the hydrotechnical condition of the canals was also monitored. The main water channels of the city — the Koshkar-ata, Karasu, Aksu rivers and their tributaries, as well as canals used for agricultural purposes — are being gradually cleaned and cleared of sediments. These measures will restore the natural flow of the rivers, reduce water stagnation, odor formation, and harm to aquatic flora and fauna.

There is no doubt that regular cleaning of water channels has a positive effect on the city's ecosystem. First, the natural circulation of water is restored. The flowing water is not blocked, but moves freely in its own direction. This also has a positive effect on the level of groundwater. Secondly, the quality of water improves. If canals and rivers are filled with silt and garbage, an unfavorable environment is created for microorganisms, plants and fish living in the water. And regular cleaning restores this balance.

Third, the productivity of agriculture in irrigated areas will increase. The amount of water coming through agricultural canals will increase and will be delivered on time. This, in turn, will reduce farmers' costs and allow them to maintain soil fertility.

Fourth, the safety and comfort of residents will be ensured. The risk of flooding in densely populated areas near waterways will be reduced. In addition, recreation areas, promenades, and public spaces along the coast will become environmentally safe and attractive.

It should be noted that not only municipal services, but also volunteers, schoolchildren, residents and public organizations are involved in the cleaning work. This indicates that the environmental awareness of society is growing. Residents are not just observers, but active participants. The city administration's appeal "City cleanliness is our common goal!" is evidence of this.

In short, the river and canal cleaning work that began in April 2025 is a comprehensive measure aimed at improving the city's ecological and infrastructural system. This initiative is aimed at providing sustainable and tangible results, unlike the one-time cleanups of previous years. This care for the natural environment will not only improve the quality of life of city residents, but also ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations.