General Novikov Intends to Create Grand Eco-park in Almaty Foothills

Retired General Pavel Novikov told an Orda. kz correspondent that if he wins a land dispute court case, he will create an ecological park in the Zailiysky Alatau mountains.

Novikov can implement this project only if he wins the court case. They will consider the legality of the general's acquisition of 822 hectares of land in Zailiysky Alatau in 2004. Pavel Novikov believes that the law will be on his side, so his team is already preparing a project to create an ecological park. 

On October 31, the Almaty Economic Court will begin a trial concerning the future of the apple orchards in Zailiysky Alatau. The orchards belong to the International Association of Clubs LLP, which was founded and headed by retired general Pavel Novikov.

The Almaty Prosecutor's Office initiated the process. The prosecutors have requested that the resolution of the Akim of the Karasay district on the provision of a land plot to Pavel Novikov be revoked and that the land purchase and sale agreement be annulled.

The Akimat concluded the agreement with the "International Association of Clubs." The Prosecutor's Office also insists that all title documents of the International Association of Clubs LLP for the land plots be declared invalid.

The Prosecutor's Office believes that the decisions to transfer the land were made illegally at the time. A small river flows through this area (about 820 hectares). According to the supervisory agency's logic, the land belongs to the water fund. At the time of the deal in 2004, water fund lands could not be transferred to private ownership.

However, Pavel Novikov considers these claims to be unfounded. 

The state sold me land for economic activity - growing Almaty aport. That's what I do. I have all the necessary documents. The gardens are untouched, just like 20 years ago, aport grows here. And I want everything to remain the same. But some people don't like it. After all, most of the gardens in our foothills have been destroyed and built over, Pavel Novikov told an Orda.kz correspondent.

The general says that even if the Akimat committed violations, the statute of limitations for them has long expired. According to Article 136 of the Administrative Procedure Code, it is one year. Twenty years have already passed since the transaction. 

Pavel Novikov stated that he intends to create an ecological park with walking and horse trails. There, they will conduct excursions and master classes on gardening, botany, natural history, ecotourism, and Nordic walking.

Novikov says this project is currently in the development stage. Negotiations with potential investors are underway.

Original Author: Danil Utyupin