Lake is being restored in Tashkent National Park after construction plans were canceled

Restoration work has begun on a body of water located near the Oliy Majlis Legislative Chamber in the center of Tashkent. A correspondent from 'Gazeta' visited the site where construction activities are currently taking place.

This body of water, which was previously part of the National Park of Uzbekistan, covered an area of 3 hectares, included an island and a fountain, but was drained in the spring of 2020. One year prior to that, another large lake (reservoir) of the National Park was drained for the purpose of building Magic City.

The amusement park, built in 2021, included a fountain that occupied part of this reservoir (visible in the right satellite image). The reservoir was refilled with water in 2022 when the updated National Park was opened. Both bodies of water are fed by the Anhor canal.

In 2020, plans were made to create a Light House ('Mayak') restaurant complex with an observation tower on the small lake's island, but this plan was not implemented. In 2021, construction began on a new building for the National Academic Drama Theater on the same territory, completion of which was planned before 2023.

The client for this project was the Directorate of the International Business Center Tashkent City under the government, and the general contractor was appointed as Enter Engineering PTE, while the general designer was Oil and Gas Design. This project was also suspended.

Recently, the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change presented a visualization of the lake project near the Legislative Chamber. 'Gazeta' confirmed that the lake restoration will take place as part of the nationwide 'Clean Air' initiative, approved by a presidential decree in March, with the aim of improving the local microclimate, reducing dustiness, and increasing air quality.

According to the presented render, two large fountains may appear in opposite corners of the lake, connected by pedestrian paths, and an arch with a mirrored coating is planned for one of the corners. Currently, earthworks are underway at the site, and it is not yet known how closely the final result will match the sketches.

A total of twelve artificial water bodies are planned for construction in the capital of Uzbekistan. Previously, 'Gazeta' reported on projects in locations such as near the airport (Kumaryk mahalla), near Victory Park, in Uchtepinsky district, in the Botanical Garden, and on the territory of the former Silk Industry Research Institute.

Furthermore, on the other side of the Legislative Chamber building, a building for the National Museum of Uzbekistan is being constructed on the territory of the National Park. The design for this museum was developed by the renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, and the concept for its exhibition was prepared by the German bureau Atelier Brückner. The museum will also be partially surrounded by water features.

A proposal has been put forward in Tashkent's Sergeli district to implement a large investment project covering an area of 100 hectares located along the Chirchik River. This project aims for the comprehensive development of the territory, including supporting production, trade, services, and tourism, as well as creating public recreation areas for city residents.

Public Discussion of the Project

The proposed project resolution from the capital's hokimiyat has been submitted for public discussion. The initiative affects the lands of the mahallas 'Farogatl' and 'Kuruvchilar'. According to the information provided, pedestrian zones, fountains, and equipped children's and sports playgrounds are planned for the coastal sections. Additionally, the placement of mobile trade points is being considered.

In addition to improving the condition of the riverbank, the project also aims to stimulate entrepreneurial activity. Objects related to production, trade, and services are planned for placement in this area, which should contribute to the economic growth of the district and attract capital investments.

The period for public discussion of this project has been extended until November 20. Currently, final deadlines for work execution, the total funding volume, or a list of potential investors have not been established; the document may be adjusted after analyzing the received proposals.

It is worth noting that previously, Tashkent also presented the 'Daryo Boyi Business City' project, which covers a 24-kilometer stretch of the Chirchik River. This previous plan envisioned the formation of residential and business quarters, the development of public spaces, improvement of the transport system, and landscaping of territories adjacent to the river.

The district administration announced the creation of a new recreation area with an artificial lake on Keles Yuli street in the Almazar district of Tashkent. Construction is underway on a section of the alley located near Victory Park.

The planned lake will have an area of 0.50 hectares, a depth of 2 meters, and a volume of ten thousand cubic meters. Pedestrian paths and a separate bicycle path with a total length of 2 kilometers will be established around the body of water.

The district administration guarantees the preservation of all old trees during the landscaping work. Additionally, the planting of two hundred new trees is planned, and small specimens under specialist observation are promised to be carefully transplanted to other suitable locations.

This project is part of a broader program aimed at creating twelve artificial reservoirs in all districts of the capital. The goal of this initiative is to improve the microclimate, reduce dust levels, and increase air humidity in the respective areas.

Other bodies of water have previously been created in the capital: one lake with an area of 1.7 hectares in the Kumaryk mahalla of the Sergeli district (near the operational airport) and another with an area of 0.9 hectares in the Uchtepinsky district. New bodies of water are also appearing in the Botanical Garden and in the new park being built on the site of the former Silk Industry Research Institute.