On August 23 , 2025, Shymkent hosted another citywide cleanup day as part of the national environmental campaign "Taza Kazakstan." On this day, thousands of city residents, along with representatives from various agencies and organizations, took to the streets to clean up assigned areas. Employees of the Agriculture and Veterinary Department played a special role in this cleanup, demonstrating a high level of organization and a personal commitment to keeping the city clean.

The main goal of the event was not only to clear streets, courtyards, irrigation ditches, and roadside areas of household waste, but also to foster environmental awareness among city residents and an understanding of personal responsibility for cleanliness and order. From early morning, employees of the Department of Agriculture and Veterinary Services and subordinate organizations armed themselves with the necessary tools—gloves, garbage bags, and landscaping equipment. They cleared assigned areas, removed accumulated trash, and paid special attention to the irrigation systems, which play a vital role in the city's infrastructure.

The agricultural sector's activism elicited a positive response from city residents. Many noted that it's common to see municipal services or educational institutions participate in such events, but when representatives of the agricultural sector are actively involved in the cleanup day, it underscores that caring for the environment is a shared responsibility. After all, a clean city and a well-maintained environment are the foundation for the harmonious development of not only urban development but also agriculture, which depends on the overall state of the environment.

Comparing this year's cleanup with previous years, several changes are noticeable. In 2023, the main burden fell on educational institutions: students and schoolchildren cleaned courtyards and parks en masse. In 2024, the primary focus was on municipal services, which, with the support of residents, cleaned large areas and removed trash. This time, in 2025, the cleanup day became more diverse in its participants: agricultural organizations joined the usual organizations, contributing not only with labor but also with equipment.

During the campaign, compact trucks and specialized equipment were used to remove the collected waste. This allowed for faster and more efficient cleanup of roadside areas and courtyards. This approach demonstrates that urban ecology requires more than just physical labor, but also proper organization.

Outreach to the public became an integral part of the cleanup. Agricultural workers interacted with residents during the cleanup, explaining the environmental damage caused by improper waste management and the importance of waste sorting and caring for green spaces. Such simple explanations help people reflect on their personal role in maintaining cleanliness.

The atmosphere of the event is particularly noteworthy. The cleanup turned into more than just a cleanup, but an act of unity and collaboration. People from various fields—from farmers to utility workers—worked shoulder to shoulder, demonstrating that only through joint efforts can tangible results be achieved. This was the key difference between this year's event and many previous ones: it united various sectors and emphasized collective responsibility.

In terms of long-term impact, the involvement of the Department of Agriculture and Veterinary Services can be seen as an important signal. This agency deals with food security, agricultural development, and water resources on a daily basis, but it has also demonstrated that environmental awareness is inextricably linked to its activities. After all, a clean environment is the key to high-quality products and sustainable development in the agricultural sector.

Historically, such events have been held regularly in Shymkent, but their significance grows each year. As the city grows and its population increases, environmental and sanitary issues become increasingly pressing. Therefore, cleanup days have long ceased to be a formality—they have become a tool for shaping public awareness.

The citywide cleanup day on August 23 proved once again that environmental protection begins with everyone's personal contribution. Whether someone works in agriculture, education, or business, a clean city depends on everyone's efforts. The example set by the employees of the Department of Agriculture and Veterinary Services was clear proof that any team can set an example in caring for the city and nature.

Thus, the current campaign was a step forward in shaping Shymkent's environmental culture. It demonstrated that only unity, joint action, and a willingness to make a personal contribution can change the city's image for the better. If this trend continues, Shymkent could become a model not only for economic but also for environmental development for other regions of the country.