Enhancing recreations spots, schooling youth on environmental issues, and eradicating black-market dumping grounds: what steps are underway in Almaty to bolster environmental standards.

Revised Article:

The Action Taken by Almaty's Ecology Department to Safeguard the City's Environment

Catching up on the latest from the regional communication platform, Dauren Alimseitov, the deputy head of Almaty's Ecology Department, shed light on the action plans in place to maintain environmental safety within the city, as covered by several media outlets.

Almaty's Ecology Department presides over state environmental control, observing the activities of individuals and businesses to comply with Kazakhstan's environmental legislation. Specializing in areas like atmospheric air, water, soil protection, and waste management, the department ensures regulatory adherence in these domains.

During the first half of this year, 35 inspections were carried out in Almaty, with 5 preventive, 14 unscheduled, and 16 other types performed. Alimseitov revealed that, during these inspections, environmental violations were discovered at 46 among these sites, prompting the issue of 13 administrative offense protocols and the imposition of fines amounting to 3 million tenge.

In response to these violations, 16 lawsuits were filed with the specialized interregional economic court of Almaty against subjects who neglected to secure a state environmental expertise conclusion or a permit for environmental emissions. Seven of these complaints have been satisfied, with the remaining nine currently under review.

Among their efforts, the Department has been monitoring both space and conventional waste disposal sites, eliminating 16 unauthorized waste sites in Almaty back in July 2020. According to data from JSC "Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapyry," the city still houses unregistered waste sites, which the Department intends to address.

Alimseitov emphasized the collaborative work between Almaty's Ecology Department, district authorities, the police, eco-activists, the public, and media in carrying out monitoring initiatives in recreational zones, with the aim of reducing littering and raising public awareness about environmental issues. Moreover, they have joined forces with the Youth Resource Center to promote environmental education among the younger generation.

Additionally, the Ministry of Ecology, Geology, and Natural Resources, along with the Almaty Akimat and interested state bodies, have devised a Roadmap for addressing Almaty's environmental concerns, with the goal of streamlining efforts for a cleaner and greener city. The Roadmap covers five main areas:

Emission Reduction by Power Plants: A feasibility study is in progress for modernizing TPS-2 with minimal environmental impact, aimed for completion by year-end.
Emission Reduction in Homes: Steps are taken to decrease private sector households' CO2 output.
air Circulation Disruption Mitigation: Efforts to avoid hindrances in air circulation for improved air quality.
Green Initiatives: Implementing green infrastructure to combat emissions and actively work towards reforestation.
Reduction of Emissions by Road Transport: Developing and applying strategies to minimize emissions from vehicles.

A hotline at +7 775 952 49 00 has been established for residents to report concerns about waste buildup in unauthorized areas or delay in waste removal.

In terms of broader environmental initiatives in Kazakhstan, key efforts include the country's commitment to achieving complete decarbonization by 2060, the construction of 100 energy-independent eco-villages geared toward sustainable living, forest restoration in the Abai region, and regional workshops facilitating effective implementation of environmental agreements [1-5].

Stay updated with Almaty's environmental news by following Almaty.tv and other credible sources. Take precautions and contribute to eco-friendly practices to protect Almaty's future and set a valuable example for other cities in the region.

In an effort to promote holistic well-being, Almaty's Ecology Department has collaborated with the Youth Resource Center to integrate environmental education into their programs, fostering personal growth and future stewards of the environment.
Recognizing the link between mental health and overall well-being, Almaty's Ecology Department could consider partnering with health-and-wellness centers to educate the public on the benefits of environmental conservation for mental health.
Beyond local initiatives, Kazakhstan's commitment to complete decarbonization by 2060 has significant implications for environmental science, contributing to a broader understanding of sustainable practices and setting a benchmark for other nations to follow in the realm of education-and-self-development and personal-growth.