A new artificial lake is being built in the Tashkent Botanical Garden (photo)

Reports have spread on social networks that construction work is being carried out in the Botanical Garden. A Gazeta correspondent went to the scene and spoke with the garden's chief dendrologist, Atirgul Kholmirzayeva. According to her, an artificial reservoir is being built on a 50-sotikh (0.5 hectares) area of the territory, and no trees are being cut down. Photo.

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Videos have spread on social networks about construction work being carried out and trees being cut down in the Tashkent Botanical Garden. A Gazeta correspondent went to the scene to clarify the situation and spoke with the chief dendrologist of the Botanical Garden, Atirgul Kholmirzayeva.

According to her, a water reservoir is being built on a 50-sotikh (0.5 hectares) part of the garden's territory. The specialist emphasized that no unauthorized tree cutting is taking place during the construction.

According to Atirgul Kholmirzayeva, the site where the artificial lake is being built was previously a juniper grove. Later, because the junipers were transplanted to another area, this place remained open.

"The open area turned into a reed bed and was left neglected. We have a small workforce. There is not even enough time to clean the garden for years," she says.

According to her, in connection with the construction of the water reservoir in the area, the plants and reeds here are being removed. Then, aquatic plants will be planted in the reservoir, and the surrounding area will be landscaped with ornamental shrubs.

"It will turn into a scenic spot where people can come and relax," says the chief dendrologist.

Kholmirzayeva reported that the new water reservoir will occupy an area of 50 sotikhs and is planned to be completed within this year.

"All the trees around the area where the lake is being built are standing. No unauthorized tree cutting is taking place. Only dried branches are being removed," says the chief dendrologist.

She noted that before removing dried trees or those whose biological age is ending, a relevant act is drawn up. Also, specialists from the Forestry Research Institute are called in, and a scientific conclusion on the condition of the trees is obtained.