On August 20, 2025, a large-scale city clean-up day was held in Shymkent, organized within the framework of the "Taza Kazakhstan" program. This event covered several districts of the metropolis at once and brought together residents, employees of government agencies, young people and volunteers. The action was a continuation of the republican initiative to form an environmental culture and draw attention to issues of cleanliness and improvement.

One of the main objects of the cleanup was the territory of the Karatau district, where in the Nurtas microdistrict at the intersection of Kenzharyk and Kulager streets, cleaning work was carried out. About thirty people gathered here, and six units of special equipment were also used. With joint efforts, the participants cleared the streets of household garbage, dry branches and construction waste, preparing the site for further improvement.

According to Alibek Kaldybekov, chief specialist of the Karatau district akim’s office, the campaign has a much broader meaning than just cleaning. It forms a sense of personal responsibility for cleanliness in city residents and creates conditions for developing an environmental culture. “Taza Kazakhstan” is not a one-time event, but a long-term initiative that lays the foundation for changing society’s attitude to the environment. It is especially important that young people actively participate in such campaigns. They see an example and begin to perceive caring for the city as a norm of life, not an exception,” he noted.

The cleanup day was accompanied by live communication between residents and government officials. For many city residents, participation in the event became an opportunity to contribute to improving the area, meet neighbors, and feel the cohesion of the community. Such events demonstrate that ecology is not an abstract problem, but a part of everyday life, where the cleanliness of the streets directly affects the quality of life and health.

The Taza Kazakhstan program has been in effect for several years now, and each time it covers new territories. In Shymkent, it has become a tradition: cleanups, restoration work in green areas, cleaning of irrigation ditches and parks are carried out in different areas of the city. Last year, for example, a large-scale cleanup day was held in the Abay and Enbekshinsky districts with the participation of more than a thousand people. Then, it was possible to collect tens of tons of garbage and tidy up public areas.

Even earlier, in the spring of 2023, the campaign focused on cleaning riverbeds and parks. Shymkent residents, together with municipal services, cleaned green areas, making them convenient for walking and recreation. Many recall that it was that campaign that became a turning point: the city saw a noticeable increase in interest in environmental issues and more active participation of the population in city improvement programs.

If we look even deeper into history, the first republican campaign "Taza Kazakhstan" took place in 2019. Then, mass cleanups were organized across the country in one day. For Shymkent, this became especially relevant, because the city with a million population is in dire need of regular cleanliness support. In 2020, despite the restrictions associated with the pandemic, the tradition was not interrupted - residents independently organized small local cleanups in courtyards and public places.

The difference of the current clean-up day is that it is carried out more precisely: the emphasis is on specific microdistricts, where residents are directly involved in the process. This helps people feel that they are responsible for their home, street, block. This approach creates a more sustainable result - cleanliness is maintained longer, and residents begin to monitor order on a permanent basis.

It is noteworthy that not only activists and volunteers, but also employees of state institutions take part in the action. This is an important signal to society: the government and citizens are on the same side, solving a common problem. When officials go out to clean up together with residents, this strengthens trust and shows that caring for the city is a common cause.

Shymkent today is a metropolis with a dynamic population growth, and the environmental situation here requires constant attention. Accumulation of household waste, air pollution, reduction of green areas - all these are risks to the health of citizens. That is why such initiatives are important not only as one-time actions, but also as an element of the long-term strategy for the city's development.

If we compare the clean-up day on August 20 with previous years, we can see that the level of people's involvement is growing. Residents increasingly come not under duress, but on their own initiative. For many, this is an opportunity to spend time with family and friends with benefit, to instill respect for nature in children. Thus, "Taza Kazakhstan" is gradually turning into a social movement that unites different generations and social groups.

The August 20 campaign once again confirmed that caring for the cleanliness of the city is not only the work of public utilities, but the responsibility of everyone. Thanks to joint efforts, Shymkent is becoming cleaner, more comfortable and more attractive. But what is even more important is that along with clean streets, a new culture is being formed - a culture of respect for the environment, which will remain with the city residents for a long time.

As a result, the past Cleanliness Day can be called a successful step in the development of environmental awareness of Shymkent residents. It showed that the joint work of residents, authorities and volunteers gives tangible results. And if such events continue on a regular basis, Shymkent may well become an example for other cities in the country in how to form a clean and safe space for life through joint efforts.