In recent years, industrial zones have been developing rapidly in Shymkent. Currently, there are 7 industrial zones in the metropolis with a total area of 1,276 hectares. These zones employ 312 enterprises, employing more than 8,000 people. Most of them are giving impetus to the city's economy and increasing production volumes. However, along with the growth in production volumes, environmental problems are also becoming more common.

City residents have recently been complaining about a sharp decline in air quality near industrial zones. In particular, residents of the Ontustik and Ordabasy industrial zones have drawn attention to problems such as the appearance of various odors, increased smoke, and the spread of dust into the air. They say that some enterprises do not comply with environmental standards and are harming the environment.

In this regard, the city's Department of Entrepreneurship and Industrial and Innovative Development and the Department of Ecology jointly conducted unscheduled inspections. As a result of the inspection, numerous violations were identified.

According to the department, since the beginning of the year, 34 administrative cases have been initiated, with fines totaling 23.5 million tenge. The number of administrative cases initiated has already reached 50, with fines exceeding 37.6 million tenge. Of these, 32.6 million went to state revenue.

According to Sabyr Balybek, acting head of the Department of Ecology, the inspection revealed violations of environmental requirements at 12 large enterprises. These are companies such as High Industrial Lubricants & Liquids Corporation, China-Kazakhstan Manganese Industrial Group, TsvetLit, Element 5, EcoShina, Category DM, Alaman Bereke, ENN, Hermes-B.E., individual entrepreneurs Habibulla, TRM, and VegaSmelting.

— "As a result of the inspection, 29 instructions were issued to enterprises. However, a number of companies did not comply with the instructions in a timely manner. As a result, a protocol was drawn up for 4 enterprises under Part 3 of Article 462 of the Administrative Code. The specialized court banned their work for various periods," said the department representative.

In addition, enterprises found to be operating without an environmental permit were fined under Part 4 of Article 328 of the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Administrative Offenses and their operations were also temporarily suspended.

Environmentalists are concerned not only about the air, but also about the state of the city's water resources. It has been found that the Koshkarata, Karasu, Badam, and Sairamsu rivers that flow through Shymkent, as well as the Kos-Diermen, Togis, Tekesu, and BMC canals, exceed the permissible levels of pollutants. Experts say that this is due not only to the uncontrolled discharge of industrial waste, but also to household waste.

One of the city's most popular recreational areas, the Koshkarata River, has also been getting increasingly polluted in recent years. During the summer season, the number of bathers increases, and the garbage left by vacationers is not collected. Despite the fact that environmental volunteers themselves are involved in cleaning, the number of violators continues to grow.

— "Many residents do not observe cleanliness standards when relaxing on the banks of the river. They do not throw garbage in designated places, which harms the environment. Even though we constantly clean up recreation areas, the problem remains unresolved," say environmental activists.

There are also many unauthorized garbage dumps in the city. Although environmentalists are working to reduce their number, the irresponsibility of some citizens is complicating the situation.

The Shymkent City Administration and the Department of Ecology are taking new measures to address these issues. These include:

• Strict control of industrial sites

• Systematic explanation of environmental requirements

• Improving the waste management system

• Strengthening environmental monitoring

• Organizing joint Sabbaths with the public

Experts say that the efforts of government agencies alone are not enough to protect the environment. Preventing environmental pollution is the responsibility of every citizen and every enterprise.

Environmentalists urge residents to take an active civic stance. If violations are observed, it is recommended to notify special services.

The development of industry is the main driver of economic growth. But this development should not harm nature. The situation in Shymkent is a vivid example of how important it is to preserve the environment. Everyone must contribute to the future of the city. Clean air, clean water, and a safe environment are common values for all residents.