Citizen Activists Expose Illegal Landfill, Spurring Cleanup in Nur-Sultan

Illegal Landfill in Nur-Sultan Sparks Cleanup After Citizen Activism Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan – In April 2025, members of the "New People" movement uncovered a massive illegal landfill near the Aiya residential complex, highlighting a growing environmental concern in the city. The site, located along the Great Steppe Avenue, contained tons of construction and household waste. "The scale of the illegal dumping was shocking," said Bauyrzhan A., an activist involved in the cleanup. Images and video footage show a vast expanse of trash, with waste piled high, even encroaching on a nearby lake. The activists' investigation and subsequent media coverage put pressure on local authorities. The Esil district administration, working with the "AntiTrash Astana" campaign, launched a cleanup operation. Madiyar Zhumabayev, deputy akim (mayor) of the Esil district, stated, "This is unacceptable. We are committed to addressing this issue and preventing future incidents." The cleanup is underway, with trucks removing dozens of bags of trash daily. Approximately 70,000 square meters have been cleared. This event underscores the importance of citizen engagement in environmental protection and the responsiveness of authorities to public pressure.