Astana's youth lead massive cleanup along Nur-Esil Canal for sustainability

A large-scale environmental cleanup has taken place along the Nur-Esil Canal in Astana as part of the national Clean Kazakhstan initiative. The event, organised by the youth-led Zhasyl El project, saw over 50 young volunteers clearing litter from the Nura River shores and performing sanitation work across the area. The cleanup marked the start of the 22nd work season for Zhasyl El teams, which now employs more than 5,200 young people aged 14 to 35 in Astana. This year’s efforts aim to encourage spring community cleanups while highlighting the role of citizens in protecting the environment.

Volunteers worked on multiple fronts, including construction sites, the city’s suburban *green belt*, social facilities, schools, and urban parks. The initiative received support from Astana’s Youth Policy Department and the Yesil District administration. Asylbek Abdurashitov, deputy head of *Zhasyl El*, noted that such projects help engage young people in civic activities. The event reinforced the message that environmental responsibility is a shared effort across the community.

The cleanup along the Nur-Esil Canal is part of a broader push to maintain public spaces and promote sustainability. With over 5,200 young volunteers now active in the programme, Zhasyl El continues to expand its reach in Astana’s environmental and social projects.