On August 16, 2025, another citywide cleanup day was held in Shymkent's Karatau District, part of the regular environmental events under the "Taza Kazakhstan" program. This time, the large and densely populated "Nurtas" microdistrict was chosen as the location. The initiative combined the efforts of several agencies. Employees from the Land Relations Department, the Architecture and Urban Development Department, the Economics and Budget Planning Department, the Finance Department, and representatives from the Entrepreneurship and Industrial-Innovative Development Department participated in the cleanup. Specialists from the Karatau Municipal State Institution and employees of Zhasyl Zher LLP also actively participated. The scale of the cleanup was significant: over 400 people participated in the cleanup, and 25 units of specialized equipment were deployed for waste transportation and tidying up. As a result of the cleanup, over 46 tons of garbage and household waste were collected and removed.

For just one neighborhood, this figure seems colossal. But it reflects not only the volume of accumulated trash but also the level of organization of the event itself. Today, citywide cleanup days in Shymkent are no longer just a symbolic gesture, but a coordinated effort by departments, utility services, and residents. "Nurtas" is considered one of the largest residential areas in the Karatau district. Tens of thousands of people live here, and sanitation issues remain pressing. Therefore, holding such a large-scale cleanup day in this particular neighborhood is particularly important. Clean streets, cleared courtyards, and the removal of tens of tons of trash directly contribute to improving the quality of life for local residents.

Looking at the statistics from previous years, clear progress is evident. In 2022, according to the Akimat, approximately 15 tons of waste were collected during an environmental campaign in Nurtas. In 2023, the volume increased to 28 tons. And this year, the result exceeded 46 tons. This increase is explained by several factors. Firstly, in recent years, more government agencies and institutions have been involved in cleanups, increasing the number of participants. Secondly, the city has begun allocating more equipment, which allows it to handle larger volumes of waste in a short period of time. If in 2021 only 8-10 pieces of equipment were used at similar events, today that number has increased to 25. A third factor is the active participation of residents and volunteers. Students, members of youth organizations, and citizen action groups are increasingly joining the work. This practice is gradually transforming cleanups into a citywide movement.

Cleanup days in Shymkent serve more than just the utilitarian purpose of garbage collection. They play a vital role in fostering environmental awareness and social responsibility. When students or business representatives work shoulder to shoulder with department staff, it creates an atmosphere of trust and teamwork. In recent years, interest in such events among young people has noticeably increased. For example, in 2024, students from volunteer organizations participated in several cleanup days, helping elderly residents clean their yards and remove heavy trash. This tradition continued in 2025, further enhancing effectiveness and engagement.

A clean city isn't just about aesthetics; it's also a guarantee of the health and well-being of its residents. Weekly cleanup days have become part of a long-term strategy to develop environmental awareness. Importantly, these aren't one-off events, but rather a systematic effort that encompasses all districts of the city. While just 10-15 years ago, such events were perceived as forced campaigns, they have now become commonplace. People increasingly understand that city cleanliness depends not only on public services but also on each resident.

The cleanup day on August 16, 2025, in Nurtas became a clear example of how joint efforts can yield significant results. Over 400 people and 25 pieces of equipment cleared the neighborhood of 46 tons of waste in a single day. Compared to previous years, it's clear that environmental campaigns are becoming increasingly larger and more effective. In 2022, the numbers were three times lower, and in 2023, almost half that. Today, Shymkent is demonstrating a completely different level of organization. This dynamic confirms that the city is moving in the right direction: environmental awareness is strengthening, and public participation is becoming the norm. In the future, we can expect such campaigns to become more than just Saturday traditions, but a part of the daily life of Shymkent residents.

The cleanup day at Nurtas is not just a cleanup but also an important social signal. It demonstrates that government agencies, municipal services, and residents are ready to work together to create a clean and comfortable living space. Shymkent is confidently cementing its status as a city where ecology and cleanliness are a priority. And each such event is a step toward shaping a new ecological image of the metropolis.

Today, it's safe to say that such events in Shymkent are becoming a positive tradition and an important tool for environmental education. After all, each generation of city residents becomes accustomed to the idea that cleanliness depends on their own efforts. As not only municipal services but also government employees, business representatives, and schoolchildren and students participate in cleanups, a strong culture of collective responsibility is formed.

That's why the event that took place on August 16 at Nurtas is not an ordinary incident, but part of a larger and more significant effort. It reflects both current city policy priorities and a general trend that has been developing in Shymkent in recent years. Here, people are no longer waiting for others to solve the environmental situation for them; they are pooling their efforts. It's also important that city authorities are focusing on providing systemic support for such initiatives: they allocate equipment, ensure coordination, and invite various organizations to participate. All of this forms the foundation for the successful continuation of environmental campaigns in the future.

Thus, the cleanup day at Nurtas became not only an example of a successful cleanup campaign but also a reflection of a new urban philosophy, where cleanliness and ecology are seen as a common cause.