On July 26, 2025, another ecological Saturday was held in Shymkent. This time, the campaign was dedicated to cleaning rivers and canals . It was emphasized that maintaining the cleanliness of natural waterways is a common responsibility for today's society and future generations, based on the principle that "Every drop of water is the basis of life."

Public utilities, volunteers, youth organizations, and environmental inspectors worked together to clean up several major riverbeds and canals in the city. About 200 people participated in the campaign, and special equipment and garbage trucks were deployed.

During the work, several tons of garbage were removed from the banks of the rivers and canals. Most of the garbage found was plastic bottles, bags, household waste and construction debris. According to experts, such waste not only reduces water quality, but also harms living organisms in rivers, and can block the flow of water in canals and create a risk of flooding.

Impact on the ecosystem

Rivers and canals are the lifeblood of the city's natural ecosystem . They are not only a source of water, but also a key factor in the stability of the city's climate and biodiversity. Polluted water sources negatively affect the greenery of the city, as the chemical compounds in the water that reach the plants and soil are altered.

In addition, the cleanliness of water channels is directly related to the sanitary condition of the city. Harmful substances released from household waste are spread through water, creating conditions for the reproduction of mosquitoes and rodents. This, in turn, increases the risk of the spread of infectious diseases.

Clean rivers and canals in the city preserve the natural habitat of birds and fish and ensure the biological balance of the ecosystem. Therefore, such cleaning activities are not just an environmental campaign, but a strategic measure aimed at improving the quality of urban life.

Comparison with previous measures

Although river and canal cleaning operations are carried out annually in Shymkent, their regularity has increased in recent years. For example:

• In 2022, a one-time citywide cleanup was held, mainly cleaning the ditches in the city center. About 5 tons of garbage were removed at that time.
  
  
• In 2023 , the scale of the environmental campaign increased, and youth organizations became more active. Posters and warning signs were installed along the canals to prevent littering , but they were mostly only seasonal.
  
  
• In 2024, the practice of separate waste collection was introduced for the first time . Plastic, glass, and other waste were collected separately and sent for recycling. This was an important step in creating an environmental culture.
  
  

The highlight of this year's 2025 campaign is the increase in the number of participants , the involvement of more special equipment , and the simultaneous implementation of sanitary and educational works . In addition to cleaning the banks, specialists and volunteers explained to residents how to avoid water pollution and spread the message "Do not throw garbage into the water, choose recycling."

Social responsibility and environmental culture

The cleanliness of rivers and canals is not only the responsibility of municipal services. It is an indicator of the culture and responsibility of each resident . Considering that today a significant part of household waste is the result of the actions of residents themselves, environmental education is of great importance.

The city administration and environmental protection agencies encourage residents to dispose of garbage in designated areas, sort household waste, and participate in public cleanups. Such public participation not only improves the city's environmental situation but also increases residents' love for their environment.

In recent years, environmental education has also been given special attention in city schools. Campaigns and creative competitions for students under the title "Clean River - Clean City" are being organized. This makes a great contribution to shaping the attitude of the younger generation towards nature protection.

A step towards the future

As a result of the meeting and today's session, several important decisions were made:

1. Monthly monitoring of rivers and canals will be established;
   
   
2. Signs and video surveillance cameras will be installed prohibiting littering ;
   
   
3. A waste collection system for recycling will be implemented on a regular basis;
   
   
4. Public sabbaticals and environmental campaigns will be organized quarterly.
   
   

These measures are aimed at preserving the city's ecosystem, improving the quality of life of residents, and preserving natural resources for future generations.

Clean rivers and canals are the well-being of not only today, but also of future generations . The July 2025 Environmental Saturday was a demonstration of the systematic and effective work of the city of Shymkent in protecting nature. As the experience of past years has shown, only a sustainable and integrated approach will allow us to preserve the city's ecosystem.

Every small right step by each resident is a guarantee of a clean environment in the future .