Atyrau Region Residents Struggle with Expanding Salt Marshes

The Maqat District has been grappling with a persistent environmental crisis for years. In the villages of Dossor and Maqat, vast salt marshes continue to spread, forming on the sites of abandoned oil wells, Orda.kz reports.

Dossor is a historically significant location where Kazakhstan’s first oil was discovered over a century ago.

However, today, nearly 70% of the district’s land is covered in salt marshes.

During winter, water fills the abandoned wells, creating swamps; in summer, it evaporates, leaving behind salt crusts. Strong winds then carry salt and dust through the air, causing respiratory issues among residents.

Local activist Gaziz Gabdullin emphasizes that the problem extends beyond environmental concerns:

The salt marsh is right in the center of the village, and its strong odor makes life unbearable for residents. People are worried about the worsening environmental conditions and its impact on their health.

Despite numerous visits from government officials and oil companies promising action, little has changed.

Last year, a major oil producer pledged funding to address the issue, but operations have yet to begin.

The Akimat has developed a plan to mitigate the crisis.

We intend to cover the salt marshes with geotextile materials and improve the area. Additionally, we hope to create recreational spaces for residents, said Temirbek Ingirbayev, head of the Maqat District Housing Inspection Department.

However, a complete solution remains uncertain. Nurlan Zhantokov, head of the Atyrau Regional Department of Natural Resources, cautions that thorough research is necessary:

Without proper studies, we cannot determine the most effective course of action.

Environmental experts warn that simply covering the marshes may not be enough. Given the region’s geological conditions, the water could resurface. Ongoing research aims to find at least a partial solution.

Maqat District residents remain hopeful that authorities and oil companies will finally follow through.

Original Author: Daniel Arturov