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

Виктор Сизов Society
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What are the results of the demolition of structures in Bishkek over the past year? What happens to the demolished buildings, and under what circumstances are they subject to forced demolition? These and other questions were answered by Atai Muratbek, head of the Land Use Control Department of the mayor's office of the capital of Kyrgyzstan, in an interview with AKIpress. 



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

- Decisions about demolition are made by a commission that deals with granting rights to use municipal land. Demolition can also be initiated in case of non-compliance with urban planning standards, expiration of lease terms, or violation of lease conditions. If the land is needed for municipal purposes, the demolition process is carried out.

- What types of structures can be demolished?

- Structures of a lightweight type, such as pavilions, advertising structures, and light buildings installed in violation of regulations, as well as objects on municipal land for which lease agreements have expired or been terminated, are subject to demolition.

- What volume of demolition was carried out in 2025? Where were the most structures demolished?

- In 2025, 9,784 structures were demolished in Bishkek. Of these, 4,860 were lightweight structures, 1,045 were capital buildings, and 3,879 were advertising structures. The highest number of demolitions occurred in the Sverdlovsk district, where large-scale renovation works were carried out, including over 400 structures on the Northern bypass road.

Approximately 3,000 structures were demolished due to the expiration of lease terms and termination of contracts.

- What is the cost of services for forced demolition? Do all owners pay?

- The cost is determined individually and depends on the expenses for materials and the time of operation of specialized equipment, in particular, the municipal enterprise "Tazalyk." The demolished objects are delivered to the impound lot in Bishkek, where they are stored until the owner pays all expenses. After that, the owner is issued a permit for self-removal.

- Can you provide approximate amounts?

- The cost can start from 5,000 soms. For example, the demolition of large advertising structures in 2024 cost an average of 50,000 soms.

- Where is the impound lot located, and what happens to the objects if the owners do not collect them?

- The impound lot is located on Vasilyev Street in the Pervomaisky district. After one month following the demolition, if the objects are not collected, the Land Use Control Department files lawsuits in court to declare them abandoned. After that, the fate of such objects is decided according to the law, including through sale for scrap or transfer to municipal institutions.

- How many lawsuits regarding demolition were filed in 2025, and what were the results?

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

- Were there any lost cases?

- There are three suspended cases that were left without consideration for various reasons, including the expiration of the statute of limitations. We are analyzing them and will continue our work.

- What happens to the objects if the court proceedings are suspended after the demolition has begun?

- For example, at the intersection of Chuy Avenue and Gogol Street, 15 out of 18 objects were demolished due to court proceedings. The remaining three are in process, and further actions will depend on the court's decision.

- Name examples of demolished cafes and structures.

- In 2025, a large-scale cleanup of riverbeds began, including the demolition of the "Bar 111" building, which was declared illegal by a court decision. A voluntary demolition of the "Kekejev" cafe, which is located in a protected water zone, is underway.

- How many garages were demolished?

- A total of 2,536 garages were demolished, freeing up 63,000 square meters of municipal land. For example, the garage cooperative No. 41 on Mavlyanova Street was demolished.

- Will anything be built on the freed-up plots?

- Yes, educational and social facilities will be built on some plots. For example, a park will be created at the intersection of Leo Tolstoy and Abdrakhmanov Streets.

- Why was the demolition of 11 cafes on the Embankment in Vostok-5 suspended?

- The improperly used territory was cleared; however, other objects are on private property, and court proceedings are ongoing.

- How many objects have been demolished along rivers and canals? Name the major ones.

- In 2025, 308 objects were demolished along rivers, including the "Baysuu" cafe, where the summer terrace was demolished. Mostly garages and utility buildings were demolished. This year, efforts to enhance demolition work are planned.

- How do you handle situations when owners disagree with the demolition?

- In conflicts during demolition, law enforcement officers are present, and all actions are recorded. We also conduct explanatory work with the owners so that they understand the legality of the demolition.

- How much time is allowed for voluntary demolition?

- After receiving a notification to vacate municipal land, according to the rules, owners have 5 calendar days for voluntary demolition, although the deadline can be extended if necessary.

- What happens if the owner does not manage to demolish the object within the specified time?

- In case of ignoring the requirements of the Department, special equipment is dispatched for forced demolition, and all expenses are recovered from the owner.

- Do owners take the demolished objects?

- Cases vary: some owners may be absent or cannot be found, and then the objects remain at the impound lot for a long time. If the owner contacts us and has not managed to demolish the object, they often pay the expenses and take it.

- How many objects were demolished as part of road works? Where exactly?

- In 2025, as part of road construction, 776 objects were demolished, including 526 lightweight structures and 250 capital ones. Major works were carried out on the Northern bypass road and other key streets.

- How are issues resolved with owners of legal objects during demolition?

- Issues are resolved within the framework of the state program if the owners have all the necessary documents.

- How can citizens protect themselves from illegal construction?

- Citizens are advised to obtain all permits and check the intended use of the plot before starting construction.

- How are illegal objects identified?

- Information about illegal objects comes from citizens as well as from the media. We actively monitor situations and respond to complaints.

- How many illegal objects are still left?

- We continue to work on identifying illegal objects and plan their demolition as part of the administrative reform. The exact number is still unknown.

- What are the plans for 2026?

- In 2026, large-scale demolition works are planned along rivers and canals, as well as the return of illegally privatized plots to state ownership in cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
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