Mayor of Bishkek, Aibek Junushaliev, has signed a resolution approving the boundaries of Ataturk Park. Previously allocated plots for construction are now to be returned to municipal ownership.
The park's area was set at 107 hectares in a 1992 resolution. Over 120 subsequent decisions allocated land within the park's boundaries to individuals and legal entities. In 2023, nearly 10 hectares were designated for housing construction, mainly acquired by individuals close to the authorities.
All these allocations totaling 43 hectares have been revoked. Mayor Junushaliev stated that he signed the new resolution in accordance with existing legislation to preserve the historical and cultural monument and improve the city's ecological situation.
The Mayor emphasized that no laws allowed for land allocation within Ataturk Park. Therefore, previous decisions were deemed illegal as they did not adhere to the 1992 resolution's boundaries.
According to archived data from the Bishkekglavarchitectura Municipal Enterprise, there are 198 objects within the park's boundaries, but the actual number may be higher.
The Municipal Property Management Department, Land Use Control Department, and the October District Administration have been tasked with returning park land, demolishing illegal structures, restoring damages, and pursuing legal action against those responsible.
The reclaimed land will be transferred to municipal ownership for designated use, including reforestation and creating recreational spaces for residents and visitors.
The Mayor mentioned that legal actions will be taken, and notifications have been issued to park residents to voluntarily transfer land ownership back to the municipality or face further consequences.
Regarding compensation for property owners within the park, the Mayor stated that decisions post-1992 are considered illegal, but the issue of compensation is not currently under consideration. However, compensation claims will be reviewed within the framework of the law if raised.
The process of returning the land depends on various governmental and judicial bodies, and the timeline for completion remains uncertain.
Mayor Junushaliev emphasized the municipality's commitment to restoring the park to its original boundaries and ensuring compliance with the law.
