For years, the picturesque town of Buston (formerly known as Chkalovsk) has been witnessing the decay of its favorite recreational spot. The man-made lake has dried up, the unique "Khujand" hotel has turned into a gloomy structure, and the luxurious park has disappeared.
Last year, local authorities confidently announced plans to restore this place, starting with the lake.
Today, the once dried-up lake in Buston, resembling the surface of Mars for many years, is once again alive with gentle ripples. According to city officials, the restoration of the lake is now complete. To maintain the water level, at least four more operational wells are needed. Currently, out of the 17 wells in the city, only 10 are working.
The mayor of Buston highlighted that the lake will not only serve as a tourist attraction but also as a reservoir to address irrigation issues in neighboring agricultural areas bordering Kyrgyzstan. The man-made "Komsomolskoye" lake in Buston, created in the late 1960s, played a crucial role in providing a pleasant environment and leisure opportunities for the town's residents.
Adjacent to the lake stands the 14-story "Khujand" hotel, which has also been deteriorating for many years. Built in 1985, it survived a severe earthquake the same year and later became a prominent landmark in the city. However, after the Soviet Union's collapse, the hotel, like much of the city's infrastructure, fell into disrepair.
The authorities revealed that the hotel is now under the regional administration's responsibility. Plans are underway for its reconstruction, with an estimated budget of around 100 million somoni.
Another significant part of Buston was the park, known as the "lower park." Established in 1968, it flourished with various trees and even had a summer cinema and jogging tracks. Unfortunately, the park was razed to the ground after the Soviet Union's dissolution, and it now serves as a dumping ground.
Despite uncertainties about the timeline, the initiative to revive these once vibrant areas instills optimism among the locals. Only time will tell if Buston will regain its status as a beloved leisure destination.
