Construction has begun on a 1.7-hectare artificial lake with fountains near Tashkent’s airport, directly beneath the aircraft landing path, the city administration (hokimiyat) said.

The lake, in the Kumaryk neighborhood of Sergeli district, is part of a project to build 12 artificial reservoirs across all districts of the capital. More than 30% of the main work has been completed, and all work is due to finish by the end of the year, the administration said.

“The reservoir is expected to help reduce dust, humidify the air and create a more comfortable microclimate in the surrounding area,” the statement said. “Residents will be able to relax, walk and exercise here.”

A 5-hectare area around the lake will include walking, running and cycling paths, playgrounds, benches, gazebos and barbecue zones. Crews are now reinforcing the structure and building a retaining wall.

Geological studies confirmed the site meets requirements for an artificial lake. Construction manager Akhtam Khamroyev said an 800-meter wall around the lake and removal of soil from the basin are due to be finished by November.

Designer Muhiddin Kholikov said there are no canals or water flows nearby, so the lake will be filled from underground wells.

“Water will be pumped up from a depth of 30 meters to fill the lake,” he said. “Automatic sensors will monitor rises and drops in the water level.”

The project also includes solar panels and water filtration and ozonation systems.

Construction of another artificial lake, covering 0.8 hectares in Uchtepa district, was reported recently. Environmentalists said four trees were felled and put the damage to nature at 27.28 million soums.