On November 4, a video shot in the Shymkent Arboretum went viral on social media. According to the author, after heavy rains, water accumulated in the park, an unpleasant odor spread, sanitary conditions deteriorated, and it became impossible to walk. The video caused great concern among residents, as the Arboretum is one of the main recreation areas in the city, a natural area and an object of great ecological importance.

According to many, the footage shows sewage mixed with rainwater. Some citizens speculated that the problem was related to a malfunction of the sewage system. Many critical comments were written on social networks regarding this situation, demanding an explanation from the responsible authorities.

The city administration has released official information on this issue. According to the akimat, on the night of November 3 to 4, heavy rain fell in Shymkent. As a result, the capacity of the sewer collector with a diameter of 500 mm along Tolebayev (Tolemetov) Street temporarily decreased. As a result, excess rainwater did not drain quickly and accumulated on the street and in the area near the park.

— "The first report of the incident was received at around 00:25. At 01:00, the emergency crew of the Water Supply and Sewerage Department arrived at the scene. As a result of the urgent work, the blockages in the collector were completely cleared by 03:30. Currently, the system is operating normally," the department said in a statement.

The akimat emphasized that this is a collection of rainwater, and that the information about clean sewage is not true. In addition, special treatment works have been carried out on the territory to prevent unpleasant odors and sanitary hazards.

However, the controversy surrounding the arboretum is not limited to this. Previously, social media was also heatedly discussing the construction work underway in the park. City residents expressed concern that a large part of the arboretum would be given over to construction, reducing the green space.

Some netizens have speculated that land will be given to private companies and commercial facilities will be built there. There have even been speculations that "trees are being cut down en masse."

In response, the akimat provided another explanation. According to official information, the facilities being built on the territory of the arboretum are intended entirely for public purposes.

— "A lightweight library and a Chess House are being built in the arboretum. The project is being implemented at the expense of the investor. The land plot will not be transferred to private ownership, the park will remain in communal ownership," the akimat's message states.

In addition, BI Group intends to install a modern children's playground in order to develop the recreation area. It was stated that all work will be carried out in compliance with environmental requirements.

— "No trees are planned to be cut down during the implementation of the projects. Reforestation measures are also envisaged," the experts added.

Local environmental activists and residents are demanding that any changes in this direction be carried out transparently. They are asking for regular reporting on the progress of construction work, materials used, and environmental impact. Because the arboretum is the "green heart" of the city, one of the most important areas for improving the city's ecology.

Preserving the clean air of the Arboretum and the unique plant species is in the common interest of not only the akimat, but also all the city's residents. Therefore, eco-activists propose holding public hearings, through which all changes can be monitored together.

The Akimat has expressed its openness to these proposals. According to Akimat representatives, work on modernizing the park's infrastructure will continue, but the main priority will always be to preserve its natural beauty.

The situation after the rains has shown the need for further improvement of the sewer and stormwater systems. As the city's population and the number of cars increase, the load on engineering networks also increases. The akimat said that such issues are taken into account in advance and will be monitored.

In conclusion, the discussions around the arboretum show that society is not indifferent. Shymkent residents are very interested in protecting the city's green spaces. This is a gratifying situation. And an open dialogue between the authorities and society, a clear plan and compliance with environmental standards are the key to the future of the park.

The arboretum is a symbol, spiritual breath, and natural wealth of Shymkent. Therefore, its development must be carried out responsibly at every step.