On August 31, city residents issued an appeal expressing their concern over the ongoing landscaping work on the banks of the Koshkarata River. The appeal was prompted by the mass cutting down of willow trees that have been growing for many years as part of the street improvement project. According to residents, these trees have formed part of the natural landscape of the river for decades and have become a cultural and decorative asset that provides the city with clean air, protection from desertification, and ecological balance.

The content of the appeal states: “Why are the city administrator and builders completely cutting down willow trees for the creation of squares, pedestrian paths or bicycle paths along the river? New seedlings grow at one time, but it takes decades… We welcome landscaping, but not at the expense of destroying the natural historical landscape. What if a compromise approach was considered? Let the streets be beautiful, but maintaining the balance of the green embankment and the continuous ecology is a condition for true beauty?”

If we compare this situation with similar initiatives last year: in December last year, a special Saturday was held to warm up the Koshkarata River and restore it as a public park. At that time, residents, volunteers, and youth organizations voluntarily cleaned the riverbank from garbage, mowed the grass, carefully looked after the trees, timely pruned some trees, and removed damaged branches. This was the result of the mutual work of ecology and society: the trees were preserved, and the beauty of the natural slope and the meadow was respected. This created a scene like a “living memorial” that preserved historical memory.

Instead, the August 31 protest seems to be a protest against the new park and the complex construction of the chlorine-filled building. Although it is a beautification project, it is an attempt to replace the historical natural landscape instead of restoring it. The residents explain this issue as "the balance between landscaping and ecological culture."

It was reported that this year, within the limits of the Water and Environmental Management of the Aral-Syr Darya Basin, the reconstruction of the Koshkarata River is planned for 1.25 billion tenge, covering a 3.5 km stretch from Zhangeldin to International Street. The project includes protection with gabions, 8 bridges, lighting, and installation work. However, the massive felling of trees has caused outrage among residents.

Previously, in February 2024, a public discussion of this issue was held - the City Council, together with the city administration, and responsible public organizations listened to the opinions of residents on the improvement of the riverbank. At that time, most of them suggested not cutting down, but preserving, creating a decorative synthesis, and jointly protecting the trees. However, in the subsequent draft, this proposal was completely ignored.

In general, finding a balance between the natural ecosystem and engineering improvements is the main task of a modern city. It is not enough to fully appreciate the natural beauty created by nature itself, but, on the contrary, it is necessary to preserve it and give it a new social and spiritual meaning. The appeal of residents plays an important role in bringing this issue to the attention of society in a targeted manner.

In conclusion, the residents' appeal on August 31 calls not for maintaining the harmony of construction and ecology, but for finding a way to restore the breath of nature and revive it along with its history. And last year's Sabbaths and public discussions are a good experience that showed that "it is possible to protect nature and the quality of life together, when society and the administration work together." If a compromise is found this time, and green spaces and new infrastructure are harmoniously combined, then both the residents and the city will undoubtedly be winners.