The Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan has approved a draft resolution on changing the borders of Gulistan and Shirin cities, as well as several districts of the Sirdarya region. The parliament's lower house press service announced this decision.
According to the proposed changes, 527.23 hectares from Gulistan district and 582 hectares from Boyovut district will be transferred to Gulistan city, while 638.77 hectares from Boyovut district will be added to Shirin city. In total, 1,748 hectares of land will be incorporated into the cities.
It was noted that Gulistan and Shirin are the most densely populated areas in the region. The expansion of borders is expected to reduce population density, improve transport connectivity, create a foundation for large-scale projects, and boost the inflow of foreign and domestic investments.
Furthermore, the move will facilitate the establishment of new industrial zones, technoparks, and high-tech enterprises, creating tens of thousands of new jobs in construction, services, and industry, thereby increasing household incomes.
During the session, it was highlighted that the issue of border changes had been discussed at the relevant mahalla citizens' assemblies, district and city councils of people's deputies, and the regional council. The cartographic scheme and description of the border lines were approved.
Faxriddin Kushakov, First Deputy Governor of Sirdarya region for finance, economy, and poverty reduction, stated that the proposal includes incorporating the mahallas 'Qarapchi' and 'Yangi avlod' from Boyovut district, as well as 'Mevazor' and 'Ishonch' from Gulistan district, into Gulistan city. The 'Shirin' mahalla in Boyovut district would be added to Shirin city.
"The 'Yangi avlod' and 'Qarapchi' mahallas in Boyovut district are adjacent to Gulistan city and are located about 50 kilometers from the district center. Similarly, the 'Ishonch' and 'Mevazor' mahallas in Gulistan district border Gulistan city and are situated over 30 kilometers from the district center. The 'Shirin' mahalla in Boyovut district is adjacent to Shirin city, and the main goal is to create convenience for residents," Kushakov explained.
He added that, given the high population density in Gulistan and Shirin, expanding the territories will allow for the planned placement of new residential areas, social facilities, and infrastructure. The expansion will also enhance opportunities for developing industry, services, and tourism, creating new jobs and improving transport and engineering infrastructure.
"Land use will comply with designated purposes and legal requirements. The category of none of the 1,748 hectares being transferred will change. Preserving agricultural land and maintaining ecological balance remain key priorities, so the categories will remain unchanged," Kushakov emphasized.
It is worth recalling that recently, 17,200 hectares from neighboring districts were added to Samarkand city, bringing its population closer to 880,000. The Samarkand district is being abolished, with most of its remaining territory transferred to Toyloq district.
Source: www.gazeta.uz