On November 6, 2025, the latest environmental campaign, "Clean Thursday," took place in Shymkent's Turansky District. Residents of the city took part in the cleanup of their neighborhoods, public spaces, parks, playgrounds, and pedestrian walkways. The event was a continuation of the city's large-scale program to improve sanitary conditions and enhance environmental awareness.

Participants note that such initiatives not only help maintain order but also engage residents in caring for their city, fostering a caring attitude toward the environment. Love for one's native land, responsibility for one's common home, and a willingness to contribute to improving the urban environment are the key values the organizers strive to convey to the public.

From early morning, residents of apartment buildings, representatives of housing cooperatives, youth activists, utility workers, and concerned citizens took to the streets to make their neighborhood cleaner and more comfortable. They collected household trash, cleared dead branches, cleared curbs of dirt, swept sidewalks, mowed the grass, and added soil to uneven areas.

Much attention was also paid to the condition of the playgrounds. Volunteers swept sand from the rubber surfaces, removed branches and leaves, wiped down hardscape elements, and renovated some fencing. Parents and children actively participated in the work: many expressed confidence that such events teach children from an early age to be environmentally responsible.

According to the city administration, 45 environmental campaigns have already been held in Shymkent since the beginning of this year, with over four thousand people participating. This work is systematic: new locations requiring special attention in terms of sanitation and landscaping are selected every week. As a result of these efforts, the condition of courtyards, streets, and parks has noticeably improved.

The organizers emphasize that the more people get involved in such initiatives, the faster and more effectively the city can be cleaned up. Furthermore, participation in the environmental movement helps foster a culture of environmentally friendly behavior—for example, choosing to separate waste, refraining from littering, and maintaining a tidy yard.

Yerbol Baikonysov, Deputy Executive Secretary of the city branch of the Amanat party, noted the importance of not only physical cleanliness but also the spiritual responsibility of each resident:

" Our main task is not just cleaning, but also encouraging residents and visitors to maintain cleanliness. Ecology isn't just about trash and streets. Cleanliness must be ecological, spiritual, and personal. This should be a priority for everyone, because a clean city begins with clean thoughts and deeds ," he emphasized.

Many participants shared the opinion that regular cleanups help them feel a sense of belonging in the city's development. Together, people can accomplish much more—in a short period of time, they can remove what has been piling up for weeks. And it's especially gratifying to see the immediate results of their efforts: clean alleys, well-maintained courtyards, and neat lawns.

Residents also note that working together brings neighbors closer together. People get to know each other, communicate, and share ideas for infrastructure development: where to place additional trash cans, what flowerbeds to plant in the spring, how to make the yard more comfortable and safe for children.

" We shouldn't wait for someone to come and do everything for us. This is our city, and maintaining order in it is our shared responsibility ," shared one of the protesters.

Municipal services support residents by providing the necessary equipment and vehicles for waste removal. Experts emphasize that if residents observe basic rules of cleanliness, the amount of waste on the streets will be significantly reduced. The main problem is waste dumped in inappropriate places, clogging courtyards, ditches, and roadsides.

Environmental movements are calling on city residents to abandon single-use plastics, sort waste, and use official recycling bins. Proper waste management is not a temporary measure, but a long-term strategy essential to maintaining environmental well-being.

Experts believe that for Shymkent to become a truly green and sustainable metropolis, all residents must actively participate in maintaining cleanliness and greenery. In recent years, the city has seen a significant increase in the number of public spaces—parks, squares, and pedestrian areas. But the more infrastructure there is, the greater the responsibility for its maintenance.

The organizers of "Clean Thursday" emphasize that environmental awareness is not built on slogans, but on concrete actions. Every litter thrown past a bin and every piece of paper collected are steps in the opposite direction. Only a shared commitment to cleanliness will yield lasting results.

The environmental campaign has concluded, but work to maintain order and improve the city continues daily. Participants expressed their willingness to join similar events again. New courtyards, new streets, and new areas await, all of which can be beautifully created with their own hands.

The organizers invite all residents to join the upcoming events and become part of the greater effort to create a comfortable and clean city. After all, Shymkent is a home for all its residents, and caring for it should be everyone's personal responsibility.