Almaty Petition Calls for Halt to Covering Open Irrigation Channels

Almaty residents are calling for a moratorium on covering the city’s aryks — open irrigation and drainage channels — with concrete slabs. A petition has been addressed to the city administration, local council and Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Orda.kz reports.

The petition’s author says the channels do more than carry stormwater and snowmelt: they also help cool the city and supply water to trees.

Residents supporting the petition fear that covering the channels could increase the risk of flooding.

Covering the aryks could have serious consequences, including higher temperatures, poorer air circulation, increased smog, damage to trees and a greater risk of flooding during heavy rainfall,the author writes.

The petition rejects the argument that the channels must be covered for pedestrian safety. Its author says fences, lighting, safe crossings and regular maintenance could address the problem without closing them. She also warns that concrete slabs may eventually sag, crack or shift.

The petition calls for an immediate halt to further work and the gradual reopening of sections covered during previous reconstruction projects.

It also proposes developing a citywide standard that would keep the drainage channels open while making them safer for pedestrians.

Original author: Alina Yelgeldina

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