Ilsur Metshin inspects the progress of the improvement of Blue Lakes

The improvement of Blue Lakes is underway in Kazan. Shore protection works have been completed, hiking trails have been equipped and an eco-center has been created. Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of the capital of the republic of Tatarstan, inspected the result of the work.

“Under the program of renovation and construction of public spaces of the republic introduced by Rustam Minnikhanov, Blue Lakes are being improved, which are so beloved by residents and guests of Kazan. This is our ecological project, the landscaping is carried out here as carefully as possible in order to preserve the existing flora and fauna,”- the head of the city noted.

According to him, this is just the beginning of a Mirrors of Tatarstan project. “There is still a lot of work, but the first steps have already been taken. We will create comfortable conditions for our residents here,”-Ilsur Metshin assured.

The Blue Lakes system consists of several reservoirs. Not far from the Big Blue Lake there is the village of Kadyshevo. Next lake is located near the residential area of Shcherbakovo and Small Blue Lake is behind it. Blue Lakes is also referred to as a state nature reserve of regional significance.

Deputy Head of the Executive Committee Igor Kulyazhev and Director of the Foundation “Institute of Urban Development of the republic of Tatarstan” Nailya Zinnatullina reported to the Mayor about the concept of landscaping.

Improvement works are carried out in several stages. The first stage began with strengthening the retaining wall, bottom and slopes of the Crystal Waterfall. It acts as a bridge that separates the Big Blue Lake from the Kazanka riverbed. Environmentalists proposed to strengthen the shores because the release of water with a capacity of 1,600 liters per second created a threat of loss of the lake due to its confluence with the river.

Special attention was paid to the landscaping of the territory. Seventy trees and over 900 shrubs were planted here.

A new bridge was also installed at the Crystal Waterfall, since the previous one was in disrepair. A new amphitheater was built. its design consists of steps for sitting by the water.

An eco-center with an area of 36 sq.m. has been built outside the reserve. Thematic eco- events will be held here. The center has a catering area and public toilets.

For the comfort of visitors, benches with tables where you can have a picnic are also installed, a bicycle parking of six places is equipped, bins and a container platform for garbage collection are provided.

Hiking trails are made of larch, which has a high biological resistance and belongs to long-lasting breeds. Its area is over 770 sq.m, and the area of the tracks is more than 500 sq.m.

“A very nice place! – shared one of the visitors. – It is beautiful, cozy, clean, and most importantly – noble silence. Just like Lake Ritsa. Well done! I'm from Orenburg, my son lives here. I came for the first time and we will definitely come back here again!".

The second stage of landscaping includes the installation of small architectural forms. An area for bird watching and viewing platform is equipped for visitors. And navigation will be installed on the hiking trails, which will help to better navigate the territory of the Blue Lakes. It is expected that the work will be completed this August, said the head of the Directorate of Parks and Squares of Kazan Aigul Latypova.