Inspections of wastewater treatment facilities intensify in Issyk-Kul region

The Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic has conducted an environmental campaign in Issyk-Kul region. The measures focused on inspecting wastewater treatment systems at resort and health facilities, as well as restricting the circulation of polymer plastic bags in retail outlets, the ministry’s press service reported.

During the inspections, ministry officials visited major resorts and recreation zones in the region. Owners of tourism facilities were instructed on the need for continuous and efficient operation of wastewater disposal systems.

Inspectors urged business representatives to promptly modernize infrastructure and strictly comply with national environmental standards to prevent untreated wastewater from entering the unique lake.

At the same time, ministry staff held awareness-raising meetings with market administrations, shops, and retail centers in the region. Entrepreneurs were reminded about existing restrictions on certain types of plastic products.

The inspection outlined two main requirements for the commercial sector:

• Transition to alternatives: large retail chains and supermarkets have to gradually replace conventional plastic with environmentally safe packaging materials.
• Quality control: manufacturers of plastic bags are now required to provide special conformity certificates officially confirming the biodegradability of their products.

The ministry plans to continue such measures regularly within the Issyk-Kul biosphere zone. The agency’s leadership urged tourism businesses and local residents to show high civic responsibility and join efforts to preserve the lake’s ecosystem.