On August 23, 2025, Shymkent once again raised an issue directly affecting residents' quality of life, the environment, and the rational use of urban land. On that day, unauthorized dumping of construction waste into container sites and vacant lots was recorded in several districts of the city. Following a raid, city officials took action to rectify the violations and hold those responsible accountable.

Construction waste differs from household waste in that it consists of heavy, bulky, and often toxic materials: concrete blocks, bricks, drywall, scrap metal, and wood. If not stored in designated areas, it not only spoils the city's appearance but also poses a real threat to the environment. When exposed to rain and wind, such waste decomposes, releasing harmful substances into the soil and air, polluting nearby areas. Furthermore, illegal dumps eventually occupy significant tracts of land that could otherwise be used for landscaping or the construction of public facilities.

By law, construction and bulky waste must be transported to designated landfills. In Shymkent, such sites exist, distributed throughout the city's districts, and are accessible to construction companies and individuals. However, experience shows that some contractors and individuals ignore these requirements, preferring to save on transportation and disposal costs. This leads to the formation of illegal dumps, the removal of which falls on the shoulders of public utilities and, ultimately, the city budget.

On August 23, land management officials, along with environmental inspectors, conducted inspections at several locations. Illegal dumping of construction waste was recorded. Administrative penalties were imposed on the violators, including reports, fines, and, in some cases, proceedings to recover damages to the land. City officials emphasized that such actions will be stopped in the future, as they harm not only the environment but also the sustainable use of land resources. Land occupied by waste is effectively taken out of economic use, and its restoration requires significant investment.

A comparison with last year's initiatives deserves special attention. On August 22, 2024, a large-scale environmental campaign was held in Shymkent, involving thousands of city residents. At that time, the emphasis was on voluntary participation, fostering environmental awareness, and raising awareness of the problem of pollution. Cleanup days, greening, and garbage collection were held in various districts of the city. The campaign received widespread support, and its main result was the public's involvement in a joint effort.

However, the current approach is different. While a year ago the emphasis was on prevention and awareness-raising, on August 23, 2025, the key objective became the application of specific measures against violators. This reflects a logical shift from softer measures to more stringent ones, where awareness-raising and information campaigns are followed by actual sanctions. This is the rational decision of the city authorities: environmental awareness must be combined with law enforcement, otherwise illegal dumps will continue to appear.

It's important to understand that the issue of construction and improvement in Shymkent is particularly pressing today. The city is rapidly developing, with new residential complexes, roads, and social facilities emerging. All of this inevitably generates large volumes of construction waste. Proper management of this waste is an indicator of a civilized attitude toward the land and the environment. Therefore, the measures adopted on August 23 can be seen as a step toward establishing systemic oversight in this area.

City authorities have repeatedly stated that land in a metropolis is a limited and valuable resource. Every plot of land should be put to good use: for housing, parks, and social infrastructure. When it ends up littered with construction debris, it represents a direct loss for the city and its residents. Rational land management, in this case, means preventing its deterioration and returning problem areas to use.

The event also included public awareness campaigns. Residents were reminded that disposing of construction waste in regular containers is prohibited. Special landfills and collection points exist for this purpose. Furthermore, the possibility of expanding the fee-based collection system for construction waste is being discussed to encourage residents to dispose of waste at designated locations rather than seeking illegal disposal.

The August 23 initiative demonstrated that ecology and land relations are closely interrelated. Environmental protection is impossible without rational land use, and order in urban spaces cannot be maintained without the responsibility of every resident. Last year, Shymkent focused on fostering awareness; this year, it's time for punitive measures. Together, both approaches should yield results: a clean city, litter-free areas, and a respectful attitude toward the common home that is Shymkent.

Thus, the event was not just another campaign, but an important step in developing a new waste management culture. Shymkent demonstrated its readiness to move forward—from illegal landfills to rational land use, from irresponsibility to order and law.