The erosion of Lake Alakol’s shoreline poses a serious threat to the region’s infrastructure, businesses, and tourism industry. The issue was raised by Member of Parliament Yekaterina Smolyakova from the Respublica Party, who submitted an official inquiry to the Prime Minister, infotabigat.kz reports.
According to the MP, meetings with local entrepreneurs revealed that the rapid growth of tourism has been accompanied by significant environmental and infrastructure risks.
“In recent years, the water in certain parts of Lake Alakol has been actively eroding the shoreline. Entire resorts are now under threat. People have invested money and created jobs, but without proper engineering protection, their efforts could literally be washed away. Urgent measures are needed to reinforce the shoreline and install wave breakers,” Smolyakova emphasized.
She added that more than 300 entrepreneurs operating along the lake’s coast have expressed concern over the lack of a comprehensive plan to protect the shoreline. Smolyakova stressed that strengthening the shoreline is not only an environmental issue but also a matter of investment stability and the long-term development of tourism.
“If tourism is a national priority, then we must ensure the protection of the billions of tenge invested in it. Businesses should have confidence that their work will not be in vain,” she said.
In her inquiry, Smolyakova proposed the development of a national program for shoreline engineering protection, involving private investors and regional administrations (akimats) in its implementation.
The MP also noted that Kazakhstan is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for foreign tourists, and this growing interest must be supported by an infrastructure policy focused on safety, environmental balance, and sustainable development.