The artificial lake in the center of Fergana, Uzbekistan, was handed over to a construction company for the construction of a multi-story building, hotel, restaurant, and shopping complex. The decision was made by the head of the Fergana region, Hairulla Bozorov. The lake, known as "Youth Lake," was renovated in 2020 and turned into a training base for kayaking and canoeing. Plans to create an entertainment center for children have brought some reassurance to the local residents.
In December 2022, 12 entrepreneurs presented their tourism projects to the regional authorities, with the proposal for an entertainment center for children at the unused lake site being positively approved. However, the initial initiative faced challenges as the pumps to fill the 10-meter-deep, 80-meter-wide, and 260-meter-long lake did not function at full capacity due to a lack of funds for electricity.
Efforts to transform the area into a cultural and educational center for youth were announced by the deputy head of Fergana. Construction work on this project is set to begin in early 2023. The lake is planned to be transformed into a "Youth Town," offering modern entertainment complexes for children.
However, by February 2024, it was revealed that instead of an entertainment center with fountains and parks, high-rise buildings would be constructed at the site of the "Youth Lake." The decision by the regional head aimed at efficient use of the area was met with controversy as it contradicted the presidential decree on utilizing unused buildings for entrepreneurial projects.
The company Unays Building was granted permanent use rights for the lake area to build hotels, restaurants, residential buildings, and a shopping complex. This move stirred debates among locals who advocated for the lake's preservation and restoration, highlighting the lack of recreational spaces for youth in the city. Despite public outcry, the fate of the "Youth Lake" remains uncertain, showcasing the challenges of urban development and environmental conservation in the region.
