Bishkek: Trees encased in concrete again during street repair

Urban renewal efforts in Bishkek have once again led to the controversial practice of encasing trees in concrete during street reconstruction. The latest incident occurred during the renovation of the upper section of Usenbayev Street, sparking public outcry.

Photographs circulating on social media reveal that the root zones of trees were almost entirely covered with concrete mixture as new curbs were being installed. The images, reportedly taken on a section of Usenbayev Street above the intersection with Bokonbayev Street, show a disregard for the health of the city's trees.

"After all the barbaric encasing of trees in concrete, I thought contractors no longer did this. But it turns out there are still those who continue to do it," stated the author of the social media post, expressing dismay at the recurring practice.

Greening specialists have repeatedly warned that concreting the area around tree bases obstructs the flow of air and water to the root systems. This can lead to a gradual deterioration of the trees' condition over time. As of the publication of this report, neither the Bishkek mayor's office nor the contracting organization had issued an official statement regarding the photographs.

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After all the barbaric encasing of trees in concrete, I thought contractors no longer did this. But it turns out there are still those who continue to do it.