Volunteers clean up Ulba River after years of reservoir litter pollution

A cleanup effort has taken place along the Ulba River to remove litter carried downstream from the Bukhtarma Reservoir. Aidos Adilbekov, head of the regional youth resource centre, organised the event as part of the 'Clean Kazakhstan' initiative. The trash, swept by the current from Ridder to Ust-Kamenogorsk, has long spoiled the river’s appearance and harmed the environment. Students and volunteers gathered along a stretch of the Ulba River to collect dozens of bags of rubbish. The litter had travelled from the shores of the Bukhtarma Reservoir, polluting the waterway. Every summer, workers at the Ust-Kamenogorsk Hydroelectric Station dam remove around 100 cubic metres of waste from the area.

Adilbekov led the operation, hoping it would inspire local residents to take better care of their surroundings. He stressed that protecting nature begins with personal responsibility. Hydroelectric staff have also called on both locals and visitors to show more respect for the Irtysh River and its reservoir. The cleanup aimed to improve the river’s condition and raise awareness about environmental care. Organisers believe such efforts can lead to lasting change if more people commit to keeping their communities clean. The initiative forms part of broader actions under the 'Clean Kazakhstan' campaign.