What objects in Bishkek may be subject to demolition? Interview with the head of the Department of Cultural Heritage

Евгения Комарова Local news
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What number of structures were demolished in Bishkek last year? What happens to the dismantled buildings and where do they go? In what cases is forced demolition carried out? — This and much more was discussed in an interview with AKIpress by Atai Muratbek, head of the Land Use Control Department of the mayor's office of Kyrgyzstan's capital. 



- What are the procedures for making decisions about the demolition of structures?

- Decisions about dismantling are made based on the conclusions of a commission that deals with municipal land use issues. Grounds for demolition may also include violations of urban planning regulations, expiration of lease terms, and other circumstances requiring the release of land for municipal needs.

- Which structures are subject to demolition?

- Demolition is permitted for lightweight structures, including pavilions, advertising constructions, and unauthorized buildings. If a structure was installed in violation of regulations or its lease term has expired, it may also be dismantled.

- How many structures were demolished in 2025? Which types predominated?

- In Bishkek, 9,784 structures were dismantled in 2025, of which 4,860 were lightweight constructions, 1,045 were capital structures, and 3,879 were advertising structures. The highest number of demolitions occurred in the Sverdlovsk district, where major works were carried out; for example, over 400 structures were demolished on the Northern Bypass Road.

As a result of lease contract terminations, about 3,000 structures were dismantled.

- What is the cost of forced demolition and do owners pay for it?

- The cost of demolition is calculated individually, taking into account the expenses for materials and the work of special equipment provided by the municipal enterprise "Tazalyk." All dismantled structures are placed in a penalty base located in Bishkek and can only be returned to the owners after all expenses are paid.

- Can you name approximate amounts?

- The approximate cost starts from 5,000 soms, while the average price for the dismantling of large mega-boards in 2024 was about 50,000 soms.

- Where is the penalty base located and what happens to the structures if they are not picked up?

- The penalty base is located on Vasilyeva Street in the Pervomaisky district. If owners do not pick up their structures within a month, the Land Use Control Department files lawsuits to declare them abandoned. After that, the fate of the structures is determined according to the law; some may be sent for recycling or used for municipal needs.

- How many lawsuits have been filed regarding demolitions and what are the results?

- In 2025, 38 lawsuits were filed, of which 20 were satisfied in favor of the Department, one lawsuit was suspended, three were left without consideration, and 15 are under review in 2026.

- Have there been any lost cases?

- So far, there have been no lost cases, but three lawsuits have been suspended for various reasons, and we continue to analyze them.

- What happens to the structures if the court proceedings are suspended?

- For example, at the intersection of Chuy Avenue and Gogol Street, 15 out of 18 structures were dismantled, while three remain due to ongoing court disputes. Depending on the court's decisions, necessary measures will be taken.

- Which cafes and establishments were completely demolished?

- In 2025, a large-scale cleanup of riverbeds began, during which the "Bar 111" building was demolished, for example. This structure was demolished by court order, and the area is currently being improved. Voluntary demolition of the cafe-bar "Kekeiev," located at the intersection of Karadaryinskaya and Gorky/Ankara Streets, is also underway.

- How many garage cooperatives and garages were dismantled?

- A total of 2,536 garages were demolished, freeing up 63,000 square meters of land for municipal needs. For example, garage cooperative No. 41 on Mavlyanova Street was dismantled, and social facilities are planned to be built on this land.

- How was the situation with illegally used land on the Embankment resolved?

- On the Embankment in the Vostok-5 microdistrict, the demolition of 11 cafes began, but the process was suspended since some structures are located on privately owned land. The municipality is currently engaged in legal proceedings.

- How many structures were dismantled along rivers and canals, and what large structures were demolished?

- In 2025, 308 structures were dismantled along rivers, including 48 capital buildings. Large structures include the "Baisuu" cafe on Yunusalieva Street, where the summer terrace was dismantled. Further work on demolition and identification of illegal structures is planned to continue.

- How do you respond to conflicts with owners during demolition?

- In the event of conflicts, law enforcement agencies are dispatched to the scene, and Land Use Control Department employees document the situation using body cameras. We strive for the lawful conduct of demolition work and provide owners with time for voluntary dismantling.

- How much time is given for voluntary demolition after notification?

- After receiving notification, owners are given 5 days for voluntary dismantling; however, the period may be extended depending on the size and complexity of the structure. For example, for large cafes, this period may be increased considering a guarantee letter from the owner.

- What happens if the owner does not dismantle the structure within the specified time?

- If the requirements are ignored, forced demolition is carried out, with subsequent recovery of all costs incurred for its execution.

- How often do owners retrieve their structures after demolition?

- There are different situations: sometimes owners may be abroad or unavailable, and then the structures remain at the penalty base for a long time. If owners get in touch and are willing to pay the expenses, they can retrieve their structures.

- How many structures were demolished as part of road works and where exactly?

- In 2025, 776 structures were dismantled during road construction works. Over 400 structures were demolished on the Northern Bypass Road. Works were also carried out on Alma-Ata Street, Jibek Jolu Avenue, and others.

- How was the issue with residents resolved during the demolition on the Northern Bypass Road?

- This issue was referred to the heads of district administrations, and those who had all the necessary documents were considered within the framework of the state mortgage program.

- How to protect oneself from illegal construction?

- We recommend that residents obtain all permits before starting construction and check the designation of the land plot, as well as comply with urban planning regulations.

- How are illegal structures identified?

- In the 21st century, information comes from various sources, including citizen appeals and media monitoring. We actively respond to appeals and monitor community activity.

- How many illegal structures are still remaining?

- This year, we intend to actively work on the demolition of illegal structures, but the exact number is still unknown. We continue to identify such structures and take appropriate measures.

- What are the plans for 2026?

- In 2026, it is planned to intensify work on the demolition of structures along rivers and canals, as well as to return illegally privatized plots to state ownership. Attention will be paid to the targeted use of municipal lands.
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