Kyrgyzstan waterways cleared of 1.6 tons of trash and 86 km of nets

Environmental inspectors in Kyrgyzstan have intensified efforts to clean up the nation's waterways, removing a significant amount of waste and illegal fishing gear in the first six months of 2026. During 160 raids across various water bodies, authorities confiscated 86,550 meters of synthetic fishing nets and collected 1,655 kilograms of trash.

The Ministry of Natural Resources reported that these actions led to legal claims for damages totaling 953,338 Kyrgyz som, with an additional 320,500 som imposed as administrative fines. This indicates a strong push to hold polluters and illegal fishing operators accountable.

Issyk-Kul Lake, a major tourist destination, was the focus of 79 raids. Inspectors removed 34.6 kilometers of illegal nets and 905 kilograms of garbage from its waters. Legal actions related to Issyk-Kul violations amounted to nearly 870,000 som in damages and 106,500 som in fines.

Other significant clean-up operations occurred at the Toktogul Reservoir, where 51 raids yielded 26.3 kilometers of nets and 500 kilograms of trash. The central apparatus also seized an additional 14.2 kilometers of nets. Fines and damage claims at Toktogul exceeded 78,000 som and 205,000 som, respectively. Operations at Son-Kul Lake and the Kirov Reservoir also contributed to the overall removal of nets and waste, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to environmental protection across Kyrgyzstan's water resources.