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Residents of Almaty have reported experiencing coughing fits and sore throats following the treatment of plants along the popular Terrenkur walking path. The incident has prompted a response from the city administration.

Concerns Raised on Social Media

A concerned Almaty resident took to social media to describe the unpleasant experience. According to the post, during an evening stroll on the Terrenkur, they noticed numerous people coughing. Initially dismissing it as a coincidence, the situation became clearer upon hearing a sound similar to an air blower.

Further along the path, the resident observed a man in a protective suit and gas mask spraying chemicals near a restaurant terrace. The area was enveloped in a cloud of aerosol, prompting people to cover their faces and hurry through the affected zone.

"We also ran, seeing this, but it didn't help. We coughed all the way home and then gargled until our throats felt better," the resident wrote. The post questioned why ordinary pedestrians should endure such conditions if the treatment required specialized protective gear.

City Administration's Explanation

In response to the public's concerns, the Almaty city administration clarified that the affected section of the Terrenkur underwent planned treatment by a contractor. The purpose of the treatment was to combat leaf-eating and sucking pests affecting the greenery.

The administration stated that certified biological and, in some cases, chemical preparations, permitted for use in Kazakhstan, were employed. They emphasized that these substances pose no threat to human health, domestic animals, birds, fish, or other living organisms.

However, the city acknowledged that the preparations might have an unpleasant odor, which could temporarily cause discomfort, including symptoms like a sore throat or coughing. To maximize effectiveness and avoid direct sunlight, such treatment work is typically conducted at night.

The administration also confirmed that the worker seen in protective gear was adhering to safety regulations. Wearing a protective suit and gas mask is mandatory when working with any treatment agents, ensuring the safety of the personnel involved.