Astana's youth launch massive cleanup along the Nura River

A large-scale environmental campaign has taken place along the Nur-Esil Canal in Astana. Organised by the youth-led Zhasyl El project, the event brought together over 50 volunteers to clean up the shores of the Nura River. The initiative forms part of the broader Taza Qazaqstan national programme aimed at improving public spaces and environmental responsibility.

The effort was coordinated by the city’s Youth Policy Department alongside the administration of the Yesil District. More than 5,200 young people aged 14 to 35 will now take part in similar activities across the capital as part of the project’s 22nd work season. The cleanup along the Nura River marked the start of this year’s Zhasyl El activities. Volunteers removed litter from the riverbanks and carried out a full tidy-up of the surrounding area. Asylbek Abdurashitov, deputy head of the project, explained that the campaign aimed to launch community cleanups while highlighting shared responsibility for the environment.

Participants in the Zhasyl El project will now work across various sites in Astana. Their tasks include construction projects, maintenance in the city’s suburban green belt, and improvements at social facilities, schools, and urban parks. Landscaping projects will also form part of their responsibilities.

Abdurashitov noted that such initiatives help engage young people and strengthen their sense of civic involvement. The project’s long-running history—now in its 22nd season—reflects its ongoing role in encouraging youth participation in environmental and community work. The campaign along the Nur-Esil Canal is the first of many planned under this year’s Zhasyl El programme. With 5,200 young people set to work on projects throughout Astana, the initiative will contribute to cleaner public spaces and greater environmental awareness. The city’s Youth Policy Department and Yesil District administration will continue supporting these efforts as part of the Taza Qazaqstan initiative.