Thick smoke at Issyk-Kul harms tourists, residents complain

Tengrinews.kz - A new brick factory has begun operating in the village of Korumdu on the shores of Issyk-Kul, sparking serious outrage among both locals and tourists, citing 24.kg.

According to residents, the brick firing process releases thick black smoke that spreads over nearby settlements.

Eyewitnesses noted that the smoke is emitted without any filtration, disturbing people’s rest and harming their health.

“People come to Issyk-Kul for fresh air, and instead, they are poisoned like cockroaches with pesticide,” one social media user wrote.

A video was also shared online showing a dense column of smoke rising over the factory grounds.

Locals are asking what legal measures can be taken to counteract pollution in this biosphere territory and are urging authorities to reduce emissions or shut down the enterprise.

Environmental experts remind that Issyk-Kul has a special protected status, and industrial emissions along the shoreline could cause serious damage to the ecosystem and public health.

Previously, Almaty was reported to introduce new environmental rules that would limit access to the city center for cars with low emission standards.