On Sunday, June 1, a large-scale environmental cleanup event will take place at Lake Mekhkariyer, located on the southern outskirts of Dushanbe. The initiative was organized by journalist and eco-activist Zulfiya Golubeva and Vitaliy Hinenzon, the first Tajikistani to summit Mount Everest.
According to Golubeva’s Instagram page, the goal of the event is to clear the lake of accumulated plastic and household waste.
The cleanup is timed to coincide with three important dates: International Children’s Day, World Environment Day, and Amu Darya River Day — the largest water artery in the region, of which the nearby Kofirnihon River (next to Lake Mekhkariyer) is a tributary.
Both international and local companies and organizations have already joined the initiative, including the German agency GIZ, the distribution company “Rushon,” the company “Siyoma,” and the mobile operator Zet-Mobile.
Residents from nearby villages Daryoobod and Chimteppa are also expected to participate.
Free transportation will be provided for all volunteers.
- Gathering point: 6:00 AM at the S. Ayni Opera and Ballet Theater
- Departure to the lake: 6:30 AM
- Cleanup duration: until 10:00 AM, followed by a light snack and return transfer to the city
What participants need to know
Organizers will provide all participants with drinking water, gloves, and necessary equipment. Inflatable boats will be rented to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Important! Children under 12 years old are not recommended to participate.
Participants are advised to wear long-sleeved clothing, hats (panamas or caps), and use sunscreen if possible, as there is no shade at the site.
Those who plan to enter the water are recommended to bring a change of rubber footwear since the lake bed may contain stones and broken glass.
To join the cleanup, please send your contact details to Zulfiya Golubeva via Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook.
