On August 30, a large-scale cleanup event took place on the banks of the Koshkar-Ata River in Shymkent. The event was part of the national environmental campaign "Taza Kazakhstan" and was organized by the city's Department for the Development of a Comfortable Urban Environment. On this day, dozens of utility workers, volunteers, representatives of organizations, and city residents gathered to clean up one of the city's most significant natural sites of accumulated trash and restore its well-maintained appearance.

From the early hours of the morning, the participants began clearing the area. They removed plastic waste, glass bottles, and household trash often left behind by vacationers. At the same time, they trimmed dead branches, removed weeds, and maintained the irrigation ditches that provide water drainage. Particular attention was paid to the pedestrian paths along the river: they were cleared of dirt and grass, making them comfortable for walking.

The main goal of the cleanup was not simply to remove visible litter in one day. The organizers emphasize that the event was educational and symbolic. A clean Koshkar-Ata shoreline is not only about improving the area but also about fostering a sense of responsibility among city residents for the environment and the city's sanitary conditions.

Compared to previous events, cleanup days on Koshkar-Ata are held regularly in Shymkent, but this year's event has its own unique characteristics. For example, in previous years, the focus was on seasonal cleanups—in the spring or fall, when large amounts of trash accumulate after the snow melts or leaves fall. Back then, it was primarily municipal services that participated. But in 2025, there has been a noticeable increase in public participation: more and more volunteers and ordinary residents are joining the cleanup. This indicates a growing environmental awareness in the city.

Moreover, this cleanup day has become a launchpad for a larger-scale river improvement program. While cleanups were previously limited to short-term events, they are now being implemented as a comprehensive approach: recreation areas will be created, lighting installed, and new walking paths laid. Thus, sanitary cleanliness is no longer a one-time event but is becoming the foundation of long-term urban development.

Koshkar-Ata occupies a special place in the life of Shymkent. It's more than just a body of water, but a historical and natural symbol of the city. Since ancient times, the river has served as a source of water and coolness, and the first settlements formed around it. Today, its banks have become a center of attraction for city residents—a place for strolls, relaxation, and gatherings. This is why maintaining the sanitation of Koshkar-Ata is of strategic importance: it reflects the residents' attitudes toward their city and its future.

It's also important to note the practical results of the August 30th campaign. According to the organizers, several tons of household and construction waste were removed from the area within just a few hours. Dozens of meters of ditches were cleared, green spaces were tidied up, and weeds were mowed. All of this significantly improved the sanitary condition of the riverbank and made it more attractive to residents.

However, it's important to remember that even the largest cleanup event won't solve the problem completely. Constant attention is needed to ensure Koshkar-Ata remains clean. To this end, city services plan to introduce regular sanitation patrols, as well as install additional trash cans and information boards urging residents to protect the environment. Experts believe that the most important factor here is not so much the number of cleanup events held, but the daily, responsible actions of each city resident.

Comparing this cleanup day with previous ones, it's clear that the very philosophy of environmental events is changing. While they were previously perceived as a necessary measure to clean up the mess, they are now becoming an integral part of the city's cultural life. People come not only with trash bags but also with a sense of belonging. This is the main success of the "Taza Kazakhstan" campaign.

For Shymkent, the very fact of joining forces is important. Government officials, utility services, businesses, and ordinary residents all come together in one place. This collaboration demonstrates that sanitation and improvement are a shared goal that cannot be achieved without the participation of all parties.

In the coming months, authorities plan to continue improving the Koshkar-Ata embankment. This includes planting new trees, constructing playgrounds and sports fields, and installing benches. All of this is intended not only to beautify the area but also to maintain its proper sanitary condition, as well-maintained areas are less likely to become polluted.

Thus, the August 30th cleanup was more than just a trash cleanup. It symbolized Shymkent's transition to a new stage of environmental policy, where sanitary cleanliness is seen as the foundation for a comfortable urban environment. A comparison with previous years shows that the city is moving from one-off events to systemic work, from temporary results to sustainable change.

This approach will allow Koshkar-ata not only to preserve its natural beauty, but also to become a true pride of the metropolis, where cleanliness and order will be perceived as a natural norm of life.