What objects in Bishkek may be subject to demolition? Interview with the head of the State Cultural Heritage Protection Agency
- How is the decision-making process for demolition carried out?
- The demolition process is initiated based on the decisions of a commission that deals with the allocation of rights to use municipal land. Demolition can also be triggered by violations of urban planning norms, expiration of lease terms, or other conditions related to the use of land for municipal needs. If the land is needed for municipal purposes, the demolition process begins.
- What types of structures may be subject to demolition?
- Demolition affects lightweight structures, including pavilions, advertising signs, and light constructions installed in violation of urban planning norms. Additionally, structures located on municipal land whose lease agreements have expired or been terminated are subject to demolition.
- How many structures were demolished in Bishkek in 2025? In which areas were the most demolitions carried out?
- In 2025, 9,784 structures were dismantled in Bishkek. Of these, 4,860 were lightweight structures, 1,045 were capital buildings, and 3,879 were advertising constructions. The highest number of demolitions occurred in the Sverdlovsk district, where large-scale repair work was carried out, including on the Northern Bypass Road, where more than 400 structures were demolished. About 3,000 structures were dismantled due to the expiration of lease terms.
- What is the cost of forced demolition services? Do all owners pay for these services?
- The cost of the service is determined individually and depends on the expenses for materials and the use of special equipment owned by the municipal enterprise "Tazalyk." The dismantled structures are transported to a penalty base located in Bishkek and remain there until the owner pays all expenses.
- Can you provide an approximate cost for demolition?
- The approximate cost starts from 5,000 soms, and for large megaboards dismantled in 2024, the price can reach 50,000 soms.
- Where is the penalty base located and what happens to the remaining structures?
- The penalty base is located on Vasilyeva Street in the Pervomaisky district. If owners do not retrieve their structures within a month after demolition, the Land Use Control Department files lawsuits to declare the structures ownerless. After that, their fate is decided in accordance with the law, including the possibility of being sent for recycling or used by other municipal institutions.
- How many lawsuits related to demolition were there in 2025? How many of them were won?
- In 2025, 38 lawsuits were filed regarding demolition. Of these, 20 decisions were in favor of the Department, 1 lawsuit was suspended, and 3 were left unconsidered. 15 lawsuits are ongoing in 2026.
- Were there any cases of losing lawsuits?
- We did not have any lost cases, but three lawsuits were suspended for various reasons, including the expiration of the statute of limitations.
- 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 demolished, while the remaining 3 are still there due to ongoing court proceedings. Depending on the court's decisions, appropriate actions will be taken.
- Name the demolished cafes and business entities.
- In 2025, large-scale work began on clearing riverbeds, including the demolition of "Bar 111," which was completely demolished by court order. There is also a voluntary demolition of the cafe-bar "Kekeev" at the intersection of Karadaryinskaya and Gorky/Ankara Streets, as it is located in a water protection zone.
- How many garage cooperatives were demolished?
- A total of 2,536 garages were demolished, freeing up 63,000 square meters of municipal land. Some plots will be used for the construction of social facilities.
- Why was the demolition of 11 cafes on the Embankment in the Vostok-5 microdistrict suspended?
- The demolition was initiated on municipal land, but part of the structures is located on private land, and the city hall is conducting court proceedings on this matter.
- How many structures were demolished along rivers and canals in Bishkek?
- In 2025, 308 structures were dismantled along rivers, of which 48 were capital structures. Large objects, such as the cafe "Baysuu," are also subject to demolition. We continue to review the documentation for the remaining structures.
- Are there conflicts with owners during demolition?
- Conflicts do occur, and in such cases, law enforcement agencies are involved. All actions are recorded, and the Department staff conducts explanatory work.
- How much time is given for voluntary demolition?
- After notification of demolition, owners are given 5 days, but the deadline may be extended depending on the complexity of the structure.
- What happens if the owner does not demolish the structure?
- If the requirements are not met, the Land Use Control Department arrives with equipment for forced demolition, and all costs are recovered from the owner.
- How often do owners retrieve demolished structures?
- Cases vary: sometimes owners are abroad or unavailable, and in this case, the structures are stored at the penalty base for a long time.
- How many structures were demolished as part of road construction?
- In 2025, as part of road works, 776 structures were dismantled, of which 526 were lightweight structures and 250 were capital structures. Demolition was carried out on various streets, including the Northern Bypass Road and others.
- How are issues with owners resolved during demolition?
- Issues are resolved at the level of district administrations, and owners with title documents may be included in the state mortgage program.
- How to protect oneself from illegal construction?
- It is recommended to obtain all permits and check the intended use of the land before starting construction.
- How are illegal structures identified?
- We conduct inventory and receive information from citizens, as well as monitor the media.
- What are the plans for 2026?
- In 2026, it is planned to continue work on the demolition of structures along rivers and canals, as well as work on returning unlawfully privatized plots to state ownership.